After a nearly monthlong search, Lafayette High has hired Stephen Hearen as its new head football coach, the Lafayette Parish School System announced Monday.
Hearen, who has spent the past three seasons as the head coach at Ascension Episcopal, returns to the school where he graduated in 2003.
With the Blue Gators, his first head coaching opportunity, Hearen led Ascension Episcopal to an overall record of 22-13 and three playoff appearances.
This past season was the Blue Gators’ best under Hearen as Ascension Episcopal went 9-2 overall, earned the No. 5-seed and a first-round bye before losing in the second round to Kentwood.
Prior to taking over at Ascension, Hearen served as an assistant at Lafayette High (seven years), Breaux Bridge (one year) and De La Salle (two years).
“We are excited to welcome Coach Hearen back home to Lafayette High,” Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. said in a press release. “His experience, leadership, and connection to the school make him the ideal person to lead our football program forward.”
Hearen replaces Garrett Kreamer, who was relieved of his duties in April, despite leading the Lions to a 5-6 record and the program’s first playoff berth since 2021. In the two seasons with Kreamer, a 2009 Comeaux High graduate, the Lions were a combined 8-13.