Hopson resigns as Southern Miss' head football coach

HATTIESBURG (WHPM) - Winds of change are blowing days after the first game of the black and gold's 2020 football season.

SouthernMiss.com confirms multiple reports Jay Hopson is resigning as Southern Miss' head football coach.

"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," Jeremy McClain, Southern Miss' athletic director, said in a statement.

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

Hopson's departure comes after the Golden Eagles' season-opening loss to South Alabama on September 3. The Jaguars won at Southern Miss 32-21.

Hopson was in his fifth season at Southern Miss. The September 3 loss punctuated a 28-23 record under Hopson.

Scotty Walden, a Southern Miss offensive coordinator, has been named interim head coach.