Southern Miss hires former Ole Miss player, assistant to be next head coach
By Nick Cole
Published:
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 (@BillMcGillis) January 31, 2016
Welcome Jay Hopson to the @USMGoldenEagles #SouthernMiss family. Recruit Sunday. Team Sunday. Press Conference Monday!
— Bill McGillis (@BillMcGillis) January 31, 2016
✅Championship Head Coaching Experience ✅Southern Miss Pedigree ✅Deep Mississippi Roots
— Bill McGillis (@BillMcGillis) January 31, 2016
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
