HOUMA – During its search for a new football coach, Vandebilt Catholic officials said they  wanted to hire someone familiar with the program and bring stability to it.

They didn’t have to look far.

On Tuesday morning, Vandebilt promoted long time assistant coach Walter Dupre, making him the 12th head football coach in the school’s history.

Houma Courier File Photo

Vandebilt running back Curtis Welch returns to anchor the Terriers offense in 2008. He'll be playing for a new head coach as Walter Dupre takes over for Mark King.

Dupre, 42, who also will serve as an assistant principal at Vandebilt, replaces Mark King, who resigned after one season as head coach last month to take an outside sales job with an oil-field company.

After King’s resignation, Dupre stepped in on an interim basis, leading the Terriers through spring drills.

As a 19-year coaching veteran, Dupre coached at Terrebonne from 1989-99 before making the move to Vandebilt, where he spent his first four years as an offensive assistant and the last four as offensive coordinator.

Away from football, Dupre also has served as a physics teacher, assistant boys’ basketball coach and assistant athletic director.

Now he’s ready to take on his newest challenge as Vandebilt’s football coach.

"I’m excited about the opportunity. I’ve been waiting a long time," said Dupre, who is a 1984 graduate of South Terrebonne. "I’ve been working aside coach King, (former Vandebilt) coach (Brad) Villavaso and (former Terrebonne) coach (Pat) Kee for a long time.

“I’ve never really had any great desire to be a head coach, but at the same time, following behind all those guys and seeing what needs to be done here, we want our program to stay at a high level. We knew this was the best way to keep everything moving in the right direction."

Vandebilt principal Jim Reiss said Dupre brings continuity to the football program.

"We wanted to make sure the kids are comfortable with who we put in there," Reiss said. "We thought that this was the best decision. I think Walt will do a great job as coach."

Vandebilt athletic director Calvin Buxton also praised the hire.

"I’m really excited for coach Dupre," Buxton said. "I can see the enthusiasm in him for the job. He gets along great with the kids, and he knows how we work around here. I’m here to support him in whatever he needs."

In 2007, Vandebilt enjoyed its most successful season in recent years, finishing with an 11-2 overall record and making a trip to the Class 4A quarterfinals.

Dupre said he wants those winning ways to continue in 2008. The Terriers will return their star running back duo of Curtis Welch and Dexter Smith, but they must replace their entire offensive line and a majority of their defensive front.

"We expect to have another great season, and hopefully it shows in our record," Dupre said. "I would love to say we’re going to the quarterfinals again, but football, especially in Class 4A, is a tough ballgame, so we don’t know what exactly is going to happen, but we want to keep making that progress and moving our program towards the next level."

Buxton said he believes Dupre will quickly adjust to being a head football coach for the first time.

"Coach Dupre is really a smart guy," Buxton said. "I know he’s focused on the offensive side of the ball for the last couple of years, but he’s going to observe and learn the defensive side as well. He’s good for the whole program, and he’s going to work hard to bring it all together."

Dupre said most of Vandebilt’s coaching staff will return for the upcoming year.

Josh Constant, who was the Terriers’ quarterback coach last season, will replace Dupre as offensive coordinator. John Enfinger will remain the defensive coordinator.