Even though he is the son and brother of football coaches — and good ones — Matt Desormeaux wasn’t always sure that coaching was what he was meant to do, though most of his life he was either playing or coaching the game. The love of the game brought Desormeaux to becoming New Iberia Catholic High’s head coach by way of a different path.

“I knew I loved athletics. I didn’t always know it was my calling,” reveals the Catholic High alumnus and assistant principal. “But I’ve come into this role and love it.” He returns to his playing field with not only a deep-seated history with the school and the community, but with knowledge and experience that he’s anxious to share.

While earning a degree in mathematics, with a minor in education, from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Desormeaux played fullback, special teams, tight end and linebacker from 2006 until 2010. 

After graduating, he returned to his alma mater, teaching math and working as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and in the three years there, also coached powerlifting and was head of boy’s track. He went on to Ascension Episcopal where he taught math and coached for nine years — the first three as an assistant to his brother, Mike. Later, as head coach, the younger brother went 55-14 with a state title appearance in 2016. 

While still on an education track, in 2021 Desormeaux received a Master’s of Education from LSU/Shreveport, and last June was hired as assistant principal at Catholic High. “When I became assistant principal, I was not trying to get out of coaching; I just wasn’t sure it was in my future,” explains Desormeaux. “But a few months later I realized I could and wanted to do both, and was named Catholic High’s head coach at the start of this year.”

Desormeaux is committed to continuing to build character, leadership and integrity into Catholic High’s athletic program. He emphasizes, “Our biggest thing is becoming a family and having each other’s back. We have a talented team, but we can’t act as individuals. We need to pat each other’s back and take care of each other.” 

Hearing that your team “has your back” sounds cliché, but Desormeaux knows that players who fear making mistakes play cautiously. “Our players can’t be afraid to make mistakes for fear of being ridiculed by their team. They will understand that the coaches do the coaching and disciplining, and the team will have their backs,” he assures. 

Desormeaux has set the bar high for behaviors like: Treat people the right way; do what you say you’ll do; take care of your brother; and help opponents up, too. “I expect them to do everything above and beyond as a member of a team, and to be leaders on and off the field, academically and behaviorally. It all comes into play in being good Christian men — and consistency is important,” he maintains.

At the core of his coaching is his underlying belief Acta Non Verba — Actions Not Words. “I believe in leading by example, not just talking. The kids need to see that the coach is putting in the time to prepare them for the games coming up,” he says.

Desormeaux’s proudest achievements have less to do with his athletic abilities and more about the impact he’s had on others. He cites being voted as offensive team captain in his senior year at UL, and honored with the Lafayette Education Foundation award — on more than one occasion — while teaching at Ascension. 

He credits his successes as a player, coach, teacher and person to the good mentors in his life. “My dad coached me from the time I was four until my senior year in high school,” he says. “He was a huge factor in instilling the love of the game in me and my brother. He taught me how to be hard but love on the kids too.”

Coaching with his brother, Mike, current Athletic Director at UL, Desormeaux says “taught me how to manage my time, practices and the games, how to talk to kids and work with them.”  

While playing under the direction of Coach David Comeaux at Catholic High, Desormeaux learned the importance of a trusting coach, “someone who is there to give sound advice if a player needs something.” (He would go on to coach against Comeaux in his first two years at Ascension Episcopal.)

Expect his experience as assistant principal to carry over into leading the Panthers as well. “As an administrator you look at things differently; you see the big picture, thinking about things like supervision and liabilities,” he points out.

At the end of this 10-game season, Desormeaux says, “I want to have helped the players learn the game well and be good teammates. Most of us get into the coaching business to make the kids better men — better Christian men. I want them to be ready to go out and be positive members of society.”

Time Out 

Little known talents: 

• He crochets! From baby outfits to plush toys for his daughter.
• Favorite pastime: Duck hunting
• Few people know:He’s an avid runner — 3 marathons and 4 half marathons.
• Best place to unwind:The patio of his home
• Favorite food:Any type of rice and gravy