Mississippi State is welcoming back one of its former expert recruiters.

Sources confirmed a report from WLBT’s Rachel Richlinski that Tony Hughes is rejoining the Bulldogs staff. Hughes was the former safeties coach and recruiting coordinator under Dan Mullen, and now, Joe Moorhead is bringing him back.

Hughes left Mississippi State in 2016 to become the head coach at Jackson State. Things didn’t work out so well, as he had a combined record of 9-20 overall in two-plus seasons with the Tigers, including 8-12 in SWAC play. Hughes was fired in October.

While Hughes is an asset as a position coach, he’s an even better recruiter. He helped put together classes at Mississippi State that included Jeffery Simmons, Leo Lewis, Jamal Peters and Mark McLaurin, among others.

Hughes joins the staff following Mark Hudspeth’s decision to take the Austin Peay job.

UPDATE: Mississippi State has now confirmed the news

https://twitter.com/HailStateFB/status/1072866419958796288