Athletic director Jeremy McLean announced on Monday that Southern Miss Coach Jay Hopes has resigned from his post for just one game in the 2020 college football season. Co-attack coordinator Scotty and Walden will take over as the interim head coach of the Golden Eagles.
Hops took over the Southern Miss program before the 2016 season. He was 28-23 and 20-12 overall to play in the USA last four-plus season. He led the Golden Eagles to three Bowl games but never finished second in the C-USA West Division. He served as an assistant coach with the program during 2001-03 and 2005-07.
“Coach Hopson came to me after last Thursday’s game to discuss what’s on his heart, and after much discussion over the weekend, he and I agreed that our football program needed new leadership,” McClellan said. “Coach Hopson has been a part of our program for 10 years. I appreciate his commitment to Southern Miss and wish Jay and his family nothing but the best.”
Despite being a 13.5-point favorite, according to the Wiplium Hill Sports Book, Hopson’s Golden Eagles suffered a 32-21 loss to South Alabama on Thursday night in the season-opener. The defense gave the Jaguars 526 yards, including 363 pass yards and 12.1 yards that pass together between Desmond Trotter and Chance Leverworth.
“After discussing Hardik with Jeremy, I have come to a mutual agreement to resign as head coach for me,” Hops said. “I am in full agreement with this change in leadership and truly believe that the players, the coaches and this Is in the best interest of the entire program. Dr. Bennett and I would not like to thank him enough for the opportunity they gave me. I want Southern Miss is nothing but the best and I am grateful for what she has done for me and my family. “
Previously, Hopson was 32-17 in four seasons from 2012-15 at FCS Alcorn State, winning the SWAC in 2014-15 and leading the Braves to the opening Celebration Bowl – which marks the SWAC and MEAC champions – after the 2015 season.
