Steve Robicheaux steps down as Destrehan football coach

A storied, remarkable career of coaching at one school has ended.

After 18 years serving as head coach and 26 years total at Destrehan High School, Steve Robicheaux has announced that he is stepping down as head coach of the Wildcats at the end of the school year.

Robicheaux won a remarkable 82 percent of his games in two stints totaling 18 years as head coach, compiling a record of 186-41. Under his leadership, Destrehan won back-to-back Class 5A state championships in 2007 and 2008 and reached two other state championship games, in 2014 and last fall, when the Wildcats lost to Acadiana 8-3 in the Class 5A title game.

Robicheaux told his team Thursday night and made the decision of his own accord. He said it was time.

“This is a family decision,” Robicheaux said. “We’ve done so much here. We love this program and these kids. My wife and children gave up so much with me being a head coach. It’s time for me to step back a little bit. We have a brand new grandchild.

“My wife and two girls deserve having me being a bigger part of their life. It’s just time to do so. I have loved this job.”

Robicheaux intends to continue his administrative duties at Destrehan and has been asked to aid in the transition to a new coach.

The search for a successor will begin immediately.

Robicheaux started as an assistant at Destrehan in 1992 and was an assistant for eight years under Tim Rebowe and Scott Martin. While serving as an assistant, Destrehan reached the state championship game in 1993.

Robicheaux became the head coach in 2000, serving 10 years through the 2009 season.

Robicheaux left to be the coordinator of safety security for St. Charles Parish, serving for two years before returning to Destrehan for the 2012 season, doing so, in large part, to spend time with his daughters through their high school years. He was asked to return and was honored to do so.

“Not too many people get second chances,” Robicheaux said, “and I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had here.”

While the state titles stand out, Robicheaux cannot pin down one memory being most prominent in his time as the Wildcats head coach.

“There are so many great memories and I’ve been blessed to coach so many great kids, many of whom stay in contact with me,” Robicheaux said. “This past season was special. The kids fought through a lot of adversity to play in a state championship game.

“There are so many great memories. This place is tremendous. My heart will always be here in Destrehan. I was fortunate to follow in the footsteps of Chipper Simon, Tim Rebowe and Scott Martin.”

While at peace with the decision, Robicheaux knows the emotional toll is sure to follow.

“When I walk out today, it’s going to be tough,” Robicheaux said. “To have served as the head coach in one place, working at just one school is special and it is unusual and cherished. We had great assistant coaches and a great, supportive administration. This is the only place I ever wanted to coach.”