Troy Wingerter, Ed.D. - Football Coach - Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns

Troy Wingerter on the sideline September 28, 2024 Louisiana @ Wake Forest Football in Winston-Salem, NC at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Final score Louisiana 41 Wake Forest 38. Photo by Benjamin R. Massey/Ragin’ Cajun Athletics

Troy Wingerter, Ed.D.

Title:
Associate AD/Chief of Staff for Football
Phone:
(337) 482-6318
Sport Administration:
@CajunCoach

Troy Wingerter is the Associate Athletics Director and Chief of Staff for Football at the University of Louisiana, where he serves as a senior leader within the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns football program. A former standout student-athlete and university graduate, Wingerter has dedicated nearly three decades to the program as a player, coach, and administrator, becoming one of the most influential figures in Louisiana football history.

Entering his 29th season with the Louisiana football program, Wingerter oversees football operations, strategic planning, administrative coordination, and program development. Prior to the 2022 season, he was elevated to Associate Athletics Director/Chief of Staff for Football, expanding his responsibilities to include executive oversight of football operations, budgeting, staff coordination, and strategic initiatives.

Leadership in Football Operations
Wingerter became Director of Football Operations in 2011 under head coach Mark Hudspeth. In that role, he managed the day-to-day infrastructure of the program, including team logistics, travel, scheduling, compliance coordination, and internal operations.

During his tenure, Louisiana experienced one of the most successful periods in program history, highlighted by multiple bowl appearances and strong finishes in the Sun Belt Conference. His leadership helped modernize the program’s operational structure and provided a foundation for sustained competitive success.

National Leadership in Football Operations
Wingerter has also held a leadership role at the national level within the football operations profession. In 2021, he was selected as President of the National Football Operations Organization (NFOO), representing football operations professionals across college football.

He served as President from 2022 to 2023, guiding the organization’s initiatives in professional development, collaboration, and best practices. Following his presidency, Wingerter continues to serve as a Trustee on the NFOO Executive Council, providing strategic leadership and mentorship to professionals across the country.

Coaching Career at Louisiana
Before transitioning into administration, Wingerter spent more than a decade on the Cajuns’ coaching staff.

He began his career with the Louisiana Athletics Department in 1997 as a graduate assistant, coaching tight ends from 1997 to 1999. In 2001, he coached defensive ends under head coach Jerry Baldwin.

From 2002 through 2010, Wingerter served as tight ends coach, recruiting coordinator, and assistant head coach under head coach Rickey Bustle. During that time, he helped develop some of the program’s most productive tight ends and played a key role in shaping Louisiana’s roster through recruiting.

One of the most notable players he coached was Ladarius Green, who emerged as one of the nation’s top tight ends. Green earned First-Team All-Sun Belt and First-Team All-Louisiana honors, as well as All-America recognition. He also finished the 2010 season as a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award, presented annually to the top tight end in college football.

Author and Leadership Voice
Beyond his work in college athletics, Wingerter is also an author and leadership speaker. He has co-authored two best-selling books focused on leadership, relationships, and personal growth.

His first book, Concrete Connections (2022), explores the importance of building authentic relationships in both professional and personal life. In 2024, he co-authored It’s Not About Me, a leadership book that emphasizes servant leadership, humility, and prioritizing team success over individual recognition.

Playing Career
A native of New Orleans, Wingerter was a standout tight end for Louisiana from 1987 to 1991. He helped lead the Cajuns to three consecutive winning seasons from 1987 to 1989, contributing to the program’s competitive foundation.

As a senior in 1991, he earned First-Team All-Louisiana honors and was named All-South Independent. He also served as a permanent team captain, reflecting the leadership and respect he earned from teammates and coaches.

In recognition of his impact, Wingerter was later selected to the All-Time University of Louisiana Football Team, as compiled by The Daily Advertiser.

Personal
Wingerter and his wife, Cydra, have two sons, Holden and Aiden. He earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in 1999 and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Leadership in 2020, both from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.