Southern Miss fired Will Hall on Sunday night after a 14-30 record over four seasons, including a disappointing 1-6 start to 2024. The position was viewed as one to watch entering the season, as Hall struggled to establish the program despite a solid background from his time at West Georgia and West Alabama.
Southern Miss athletic director Jeremy McClain will oversee the search for a new head coach. The Golden Eagles are operating with one of the smallest budgets in the FBS.
So, who are the top candidates?
Derrick Nix, Auburn Offensive Coordinator
A three-time all-conference selection at Southern Miss, Derrick Nix was a record-setting running back and earned a spot on the USM “Team of the Century.” He was the first player in program history to rush for 1,000 yards in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. After 16 seasons at Ole Miss, he moved to Auburn last offseason. The 44-year-old has a proven recruiting history as the offensive coordinator and running backs coach, though he lacks head coaching experience. He is expected to attract interest for the Southern Miss job.
Bryan Brown, Ole Miss Co-Defensive Coordinator
Bryan Brown, a former Ole Miss defensive back, joined the coaching staff last offseason as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. A Mississippi native, Brown previously served as the defensive coordinator at Appalachian State, Louisville, and Cincinnati under Scott Satterfield. A multiple-time Broyles Award nominee, the 40-year-old led Cincinnati’s defense to rank within the top five in the Big 12 for passing defense and first downs defense in 2023. His name is currently on McClain’s radar, according to sources.
Patrick Surtain, Florida State Defensive Backs Coach
Florida State defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain is a 1998 Southern Miss alum. A former second-round pick, he had an 11-year NFL career with the Dolphins and Chiefs, earning two All-Pro selections before retiring in 2009. Surtain joined the American Heritage High School staff in 2013, becoming head coach in 2016 and producing multiple NFL draft picks, including six in the 2021 NFL draft. Following one year as an NFL assistant with the Dolphins, he joined the Florida State staff in 2023, helping secure commitments from defensive backs Charles Lester III and Cai Bates. With his high school head coaching experience, will the 48-year-old push to return to his alma mater?
Bill Clark, Former UAB Head Coach
Bill Clark retired before the 2022 season due to back issues but is now healthy and eager to return. In six seasons with UAB, he recorded a 49–26 record, leading the team to five bowl appearances and achieving a 32-12 mark in C-USA play. Known for his ability to revive struggling programs, Clark helped UAB come back after the termination of its football program following the 2014 season.
Bryant Vincent, Louisiana Monroe
Bryant Vincent led UAB to a 7-6 record as interim coach in 2022, but did not have the interim tag removed, with UAB hiring Trent Dilfer instead. Currently, Vincent has Louisiana Monroe at 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the Sun Belt, marking their best start since 1987. Although he is linked to East Carolina, he is seen as a strong candidate for the Southern Miss job, which many view as a step up.
Kane Wommack, Alabama Defensive Coordinator
After leaving South Alabama to join his friend Kalen DeBoer at Alabama, Kane Wommack’s transition has been rocky. He had a strong game plan against Georgia, but Alabama allowed 27 points in the second half of that matchup. Following a loss at Vanderbilt, there is speculation about Wommack potentially moving to Southern Miss. His father, Dave Wommack, spent six years at Southern Miss as a defensive coordinator, adding to his connection.
Freddie Roach, Alabama Defensive Line Coach
Freddie Roach, a former linebacker at Alabama, has coaching experience at East Mississippi Community College and Ole Miss. He returned to Tuscaloosa in 2020 for his third stint on Nick Saban’s staff and is currently working under DeBoer.
Todd Hartley, Georgia Tight Ends Coach
Should Marshall part ways with Charles Huff after the 2024 season, Todd Hartley is a name to watch. He previously spent four years with the Thundering Herd and has ascended to become Kirby Smart’s assistant head coach after joining the Georgia staff in 2019.
Jerry Mack, Jacksonville Jaguars Running Backs Coach
Jerry Mack, a three-time HBCU Coach of the Year, is another candidate for the Southern Miss position. With a 31–15 record during his tenure as head coach at North Carolina Central, he led the Eagles to multiple MEAC titles. After coaching in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans, where he developed standout Dylan Sampson, he made the jump to the Jacksonville Jaguars this past offseason.
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