Mike Leach has just added to his Mississippi State coaching staff with a well-known name inside the Magnolia State.

Former Southern Miss head coach Jay Hopson has been hired by Leach just in time for spring practice down in Starkville. The news of Hopson’s hire in Starkville was first reported by 247Sports’ Mississippi State site, Gene’s Page.

Hopson will serve as a defensive analyst for Mississippi State this season.

During his time at Southern Miss, Hopson went 28-23 overall but was fired after the season opener last season when the Eagles lost to South Alabama 32-21.

Prior to landing the Southern Miss job, Hopson served as head coach at Alcorn State. During his time at Alcorn State, Hopson’s record was 32-17 after leading the program to three consecutive seasons of at least nine wins.

Hopson was a defensive back at Ole Miss in the late 1980s and early 1990s.