HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) – In the wake of the firing of head football coach Will Hall, Southern Miss Athletics discussed what’s next for Golden Eagles football.
USM Athletic Director Jeremy McClain explained his decision on Hall’s midseason dismissal.
“We want what’s best for the young men in the locker room.” McClain said.
“I think making a decision early in the year can be really difficult on everyone.
it’s not that we wanted to make this decision any earlier than we did, but it really wasn’t on the table until we got well into the year.
We let it play out, we understood where we were as a football team, and we just got deep enough into the year that it made sense.”
Hall was fired Sunday after losing 44-28 to Arkansas State at home Saturday. Assistant Head Coach/General Manager Reed Stringer has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2024 season.
When asked about the process of searching for a new head coach, McClain said his program is an attractive spot for candidates.
“This is a really, really good football job.
I believe that with every fiber of my being. This is a place where you can win. This is a place where you can win at a high level.
We’re in a great football league, and this is going to be a job that is heavily sought after, and people are going to want. My phone would back that up right now.”
McClain also discussed USM’s criteria for a head football coach.
“I think the profile is wide open.” He said.
“I do think there are some things that are really important. I think the job has changed a lot in the last five years.
I think you have to have someone who can manage the (transfer) portal, manage name, image, and likeness, and be able to hire the right people.”
McClain also said that local ties to Southern Miss and the southern region are on his search list, but not near the top.
The Golden Eagles currently have a 1-6 record this season and have managed to have a 14-30 record while under Hall’s leadership.
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