When your nickname is a group of people, you either have to have a representation of that people as a mascot or your mascot needs to be a background figure that further defines who you are as a university and possibly be a spirit leader as well.
If we can't have Cajun Man, I would prefer the Catahoula. State dog. Furthers our identity as Louisiana. It's history IS the history of our state in the flesh. Plus, everybody loves dogs.
If we can't have the Catahoula, I would have no problems bringing back Cayenne or The Fabulous Cajun Chicken.