Southern Miss football fires three assistants, including defensive coordinator, report says
Southern Miss has dismissed three coaches, including defensive coordinator Dan O’Brien and defensive line coach Brandon Lacy, according to a report by ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.
Tight ends coach Cayden Cochran has also been let go, according to the same report.
The news comes one day after the Golden Eagles capped a disappointing 3-9 season with a 35-17 home loss to Troy.
Southern Miss finished the season allowing a Sun Belt-worst 35.8 points per game, and was 127th out of 133 Division I FBS teams in scoring defense.
O’Brien’s defense was stricken with injuries for much of the season, particularly in the secondary. The team had to move two offensive players, Zay Franks and Antavious Willis, to cornerback to provide depth.
The tight end position also dealt with injuries to its top player, Cole Cavallo. The senior appeared in just seven games, making nine catches.
Staff shuffling is expected this offseason following head coach Will Hall’s mid-season decision to hand over the offensive play calling and game-planning to assistants Jordy Joseph and Sam Gregg.
This story was originally published November 26, 2023 at 10:17 AM.
