Louisiana Adds Former DC James Willis As An Analyst

Louisiana head coach Mark Hudspeth has turned to a familiar face as the Cajuns search for answers to their defensive woes. James Willis, who served as Louisiana’s defensive coordinator for two seasons in 2013 and 2014 has been added as analyst Hudspeth announced Monday. Willis left Louisiana in early 2015 for a position with New Orleans Saints, where he was a defensive assistant, focusing on the linebackers until he was let go following the 2016 season.

In his off the field role, Willis will be able to converse with other coaches on staff, study tape, and do such things as find tendencies of both the Cajuns and opponents.  Analysts are not permitted to actively coach players at practice or during games.

The Ragin’ Cajun defense has struggled in 2017, after being a strength of the ball club a year ago. In four games Louisiana is giving up just under 564 yards per game and 299 yards rushing per contest. Opponents are also averaging 53.8 points per game, all three rank last in the Sun Belt Conference.

Willis was on campus and working inside the Student-Athlete Performance Center last week during Louisiana’s bye week.

Under Willis’ leadership, Louisiana gave up 26.46 points a game in 2013 and 26 points per game in 2014.

Defensive coordinator Mike Lucus will still call the plays Saturday at Idaho. No other coaching duties or changes have been made.