Southern Miss hires former Ole Miss player, assistant to be next head coach
Former Ole Miss defensive back and DB coach Jay Hopson will be named as the next head coach at Southern Miss during a press conference on Monday.
The Golden Eagles had an unexpected vacancy after former coach Todd Monken left to become the OC for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following a nine-win season.
Hopson, who has served as Alcorn State’s head coach for the last four seasons (32-17 record), has Mississippi roots that include playing and coaching at Ole Miss.
It was a job that sparked rumors of several SEC assistant coaches considering the position, and Florida OC Doug Nussmeier was thought to be a favorite for the position up until Saturday.
Southern Miss AD Bill McGillis was obviously excited to make the hire on Saturday night, firing off this series of Tweets:
We've got a football coach! #SMTTT pic.twitter.com/mPCkg8sJi2
— Bill McGillis (@SouthernMissAD) January 31, 2016
Welcome Jay Hopson to the @USMGoldenEagles #SouthernMiss family. Recruit Sunday. Team Sunday. Press Conference Monday!
— Bill McGillis (@SouthernMissAD) January 31, 2016
✅Championship Head Coaching Experience ✅Southern Miss Pedigree ✅Deep Mississippi Roots
— Bill McGillis (@SouthernMissAD) January 31, 2016