Hopson was starting his fifth year as Southern Miss' head coach. Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Southern Mississippi parts ways with Jay Hopson after loss to South Alabama

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 9/7/20

On Monday, Southern Mississippi confirmed that the football program has parted ways with coach Jay Hopson one week into the season. Southern Miss lost to South Alabama 32-21 last Thursday.

Assistant coach Scotty Walden was promoted to interim head coach.

Earlier in the day, Stadium's Brett McMurphy reported that Hopson resigned.

Southern Miss coach Jay Hopson has resigned, sources told @Stadium. Hopson was 28-23 at USM, including’s Thursday’s opening loss to South Alabama. Hopson had 4 winning records in 4 years w/3 bowl trips. Hopson, also Alcorn State’s coach from 2012-15, had career record of 60-40
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 7, 2020

In a prepared statement, director of athletics Jeremy McClain said:

"Coach Hopson came to me after last Thursday's game to discuss what was on his heart and after much discussion over the weekend, he and I agreed that new leadership for our football program is needed.

"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."

Hopson was starting his fifth year as the program's head coach. He previously worked as an assistant at Southern Miss from 2001-03 and again from 2005-07. He leaves with a 28-23 record.

"After heartfelt discussion with Jeremy, we have come to a mutual agreement for me to step down as head coach," Hopson said for the official statement.

"I am in total agreement with this change in leadership and truly believe it is in the best interest of the players, coaches and this entire program. I cannot thank Dr. Bennett and our administration enough for the opportunity that they gave me. I wish Southern Miss nothing but the best and am thankful for all that they have done for me and my family."

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