Louisiana-Lafayette fires defensive coordinator after season-opening loss

College football fans did not have to wait long to see the first firing of the 2016 season, as Louisiana-Lafayette parted ways with defensive coordinator Melvin Smith.

The school made the announcement Sunday on its athletics website.

Linebackers coach Mike Lucas will take over as defensive coordinator for the rest of the season.

"We appreciate everything that Melvin has done for us since coming here, and we wish he and his family nothing but the best in the future," head coach Mark Hudspeth said in a statement. "Making a change is never easy, but we feel this was the necessary thing to do for the success of our program."

The Ragin' Cajuns suffered defeat at the hands of Boise State on opening weekend by a score of 45-10, and will take on McNeese State on Saturday Sept. 10.