Already, we are starting to get a feel for what McNeese State football will be like next season and in the future.

During his re-introduction as McNeese State’s head coach, Matt Viator clearly stated that he wouldn’t just clean house and start over. 

“Retaining players and coaches is important,” Viator said. 

That process officially began Thursday when Viator announced he was retaining chief of staff Aaron Ingram, defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro, and co-defensive coordinator Josh Brown. 

Viator will continue to meet with other current Cowboy coaches over the next few days and talk to others currently outside the program.

“I’m excited to be able to keep these coaches and build some continuity on the defensive side of the ball,” said Viator. “The defense made a lot of progress this season with those two leading it.

 “We also have a lot of familiar friends, and those guys speak highly of and have a ton of respect for them.”

After a nine-year absence, Viator, who Monday became the first man to return to the McNeese job, talked about how to get his staff together quickly.

“It is important we get the right guys here,” Viator said. “We want people who are passionate about McNeese and the community.”

Ingram was the first to agree to stay. He came to McNeese a year ago to lead recruiting, among other duties. His staying stabilizes this year’s recruiting efforts and will help with efforts to retain players. 

“It is a choice that I’m excited about and continuing to move the program forward,” said Ingram. “Our job is not finished here, but I’m glad to have had a chance to work with Coach V.”

Pecoraro, who was interim head coach after Gary Goff was fired, is also returning. Pecoraro interviewed for the permanent position after his defense took a huge step forward last season. 

McNeese led the Cowboys in the Southland Conference, ranking 18th in the FCS in passing defense (176.3) and tops in the league while ranking No. 3 in the nation in pass efficiency defense (106.1).

Three times the Cowboys held opponents to under 100 yards rushing and under 200 yards passing eight times. 

“I’m excited to be part of Coach Viator’s future for the program,” said Pecoraro. “I love it here at McNeese and Lake Charles, but we still have a lot of work to do.”

Brown, who came on board last season as co-defensive coordinator, is also staying. That gives the defensive needed stability in leadership.

“Excited to help continue and build this team and defense,” Brown wrote on social media.

However, getting back the playmakers will be the bigger issue. With linebackers Micah Davey and Marques White and most of the secondary players entering the transfer portal, retaining players will be key.

“They are the most important part of our recruiting right now,” said Pecoraro. “This could easily go from continuing to build on to a rebuild depending on who we can get back.”

For the players who have entered the transfer portal, namely All-American Davey and leading rusher Joshon Barbie, Viator understands their decisions and hopes to convince them to stay.

“I was excited that the guys who are in the portal still came to the team meeting and listened to what I had to say,” Viator said. “The portal is their right to explore their options, but I hope some of them also see what they’ve got here at McNeese.

“I’d be a hypocrite if I told them not to go. I was in the portal when I came here.”

The transfer portal officially opens on Dec. 9. With the reduction of rosters, it is expected to be an overflowing portal that should be a buyer’s market.

Key Cowboys who have said they plan to enter the portal:

Micah Davey, Linebacker

Marques White, Linebacker

Boogsie Silvera, safety

Levi Wyatt, cornerback

Kamden Sixkiller, Quarterback

Joshon Barbie, running back

Finn Lappin, punter

Hayes Creel, offensive lineman