Southern Miss new head football coach Will Hall has announced four additional members of his coaching staff:
Austin Armstrong, Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers – Armstrong spent the 2020 season as the inside linebackers coach at Louisiana-Lafayette. During his tenure with the Ragin’ Cajuns, ULL’s defense ranked second in the nation in interceptions (15), third in defensive passing efficiency (96.27), and fourth in passing yards allowed per game (166.9).
Mark Criner, Outside Linebackers – A more than experienced coach, Criner has enjoyed success at both the collegiate and professional levels. His most recent stop was working as the linebackers coach, as well as special teams coordinator, for the Seattle Dragons of the XFL. Before that, he served as a defensive analyst for Tulane, where he worked with Will Hall. During Criner’s only year (2019) with the Green Wave, the team finished with a 7-6 record and a bowl win over Southern Miss. Other stops include Idaho, Portland State, Rhode Island, Cincinnati, and LSU.
Brandon Lacy, Defensive Line – After a one-year stint as the defensive line coach at Richmond, Lacy has agreed to serve in the same role for the Golden Eagles. This past season, the Spiders d-line unit led the Colonial Athletic Association in pass defense, finished second in sacks, and fourth in total defense. Prior to that, he coached ten seasons for the Southeastern University Lions.
Chad Williams, Cornerbacks – Former Southern Miss and NFL star Chad Williams is making his return to Hattiesburg after spending the last two seasons as the defensive coordinator for Central Arkansas. He has also made stops as a coach at Jacksonville State, Middle Tennessee, West Georgia, Valdosta State, West Alabama, and Savannah State. During his playing career, Williams led the Golden Eagles to a Conference USA Championship, as well as three bowl appearances.
A full coaching staff is expected to be announced by Hall soon, but as for now, the Golden Eagles are in the midst of a successful early signing day. To keep up with all of today’s signees, click here.
