Joe Aillet

Bio

Joe Aillet was one of the most revered men in Louisiana history. He had a humble beginning, as a member of a train load of orphans shipped from New York City to take up residence in New Orleans. He was raised by a Catholic priest and throughout his career was known as a scholarly, religious and athletic person. He graduated from Louisiana - Lafayette in 1927 with a strong athletic record and went into coaching. He quoted Shakespeare and the classics, was an outstanding public speaker, and emphasized good academic standards for all the athletes he coached. He became Louisiana Tech's head coach in 1940 and was on the job through 1966, except for 1943, when the school had no team. He helped form the Gulf States Conference in 1948, and his football teams won eight of the first 12 championships. His best player was Mickey Slaughter, three-time All-Conference quarterback 1960-1962, and he recruited Terry Bradshaw, who played for his successor. His coaching record was 152-85-8, and he served as Louisiana Tech Athletic Director 1940-1970. His memory lives at the school in Ruston, Louisiana, with the Joe Aillet Stadium and the Joe Aillet Scholastic Award.