Southern Miss football continued to make offseason changes with its staff on Monday.
According to multiple reports, outside linebacker coach Mark Criner has been fired. On Sunday it was reported that defensive coordinator Dan O’Brien, defensive line coach Brandon Lacy, and tight ends coach Cayden Cochran have been dismissed.
All four coaches had been with the staff since 2021.
O’Brien spent the first two years as the safeties coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator after the departure of Austin Armstrong. Under O’Brien, the Golden Eagles ranked No. 109 in total defense, which comes after USM was ranked No. 58 in that same category back in 2022.
In 2022 the defense ranked No. 4 in sack total with 44, but this past season, the Golden Eagles only recorded 25 sacks, ranking them at No. 64 nationally.
Cochran’s tight end room was led by Cole Cavallo, who made just eight catches for 96 yards, which was a drop-off partly due to Cavallo’s injury early in the season. However, the group also was plagued by numerous penalties throughout this season.
Notably, Hall told USMEagleHour that he intends to hire an offensive coordinator as well.
Offensive line coach Sam Gregg has held the title of offensive coordinator since 2022. Gregg and quarterbacks coach Jordy Joseph split play-calling duties after Hall gave up the role midseason.
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