Southern Miss football elevates assistant to defensive coordinator of Golden Eagles
Southern Miss football has tabbed safeties coach Dan O’Brien to replace Austin Armstrong as the Golden Eagles’ defensive coordinator, sources confirmed to the Sun herald. The news was first reported by Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger.
O’Brien is the coach behind the development of safety combo Malik Shorts and Jay Stanley. The pair has combined to record 303 tackles and 12 interceptions in the two seasons they’ve played under O’Brien.
Before arriving at USM, O’Brien worked in a quality control role at Georgia for two years, and spent five years working on Navy’s defensive staff before that.
Throughout his coaching career, O’Brien has worked for New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, Alabama coach Nick Saban and Georgia coach Kirby Smart.
O’Brien will retain his duties as safeties coach.
Armstrong is joining Alabama’s defensive staff as inside linebackers coach, per ESPN.
Armstrong led the Golden Eagles defense for two seasons under Hall. Southern Miss finished second in the Sun Belt in interceptions in 2022 with 17, and was tied for fourth nationally in sacks with 44. The 23.5 points allowed per game was the lowest mark since 2018.
Southern Miss’ total defense improved from eighth in Conference USA in 2020 to third in Armstrong’s first season in 2021.
