Southern Miss has welcomed Charles Huff as its 23rd head football coach. His appointment is historic, as he becomes the university’s first Black head coach. Huff’s leadership comes at a pivotal time, with the team looking to rebound from a challenging 1-11 season.
A Historic Appointment for Southern Miss Football
Charles Huff, 41, carries an impressive coaching résumé. He previously led Marshall University to a Sun Belt Conference championship, becoming the school’s first Black head coach. Now, as only the second Black coach across Mississippi’s three FBS programs, Huff is breaking barriers yet again.
“I carry that honor with me a lot,” Huff said during his introductory press conference. He hopes his journey inspires young people from minority backgrounds. “Some young man or woman can look and say, ‘There’s the first something. I can be that, too.’”
Huff’s appointment is especially impactful in Mississippi, the state with the highest percentage of Black residents. His presence is seen as a powerful example for students and athletes across the state.
Turning Around a Struggling Team
Southern Miss faces steep challenges. The team hasn’t had back-to-back winning seasons since before the pandemic. With more than half of the 2024 roster either transferring or graduating, Huff must rebuild nearly from scratch.
Athletic Director Jeremy McClain praised Huff’s leadership and vision, calling him the “right fit” to guide the Golden Eagles. Huff understands the pressure. “At the end of the day, I still have to win games,” he remarked. “Or I’ll become the first African-American to get fired at Southern Miss.”
Despite the challenges, Huff remains optimistic. His success at Marshall—where he led the team to its first 10-win season in years—shows he is ready to tackle adversity.
Breaking Barriers Beyond the Field
Huff’s appointment reflects progress in a field historically lacking diversity. Pearl River Central head coach John Feaster noted the significance of Huff’s role. “It’s huge for kids in places like the Mississippi Delta to see someone like him,” Feaster said.
Huff credits Southern Miss for hiring him based on his qualifications, not just his background. “They didn’t make the decision because of my skin color,” Huff explained. “They saw my credentials, my ability.”
His leadership sends a message to other institutions about the importance of diversity and merit-based hiring. Huff hopes his success will encourage more schools to follow suit.
What Lies Ahead
The Golden Eagles kick off the 2025 season with a game against Mississippi State, marking the start of a new era under Huff’s guidance. Fans, including former rivals, are eager to see him succeed.
“I’m ecstatic,” Feaster said. “I’ll definitely be rooting for him.”
As Huff takes on the challenge of reviving a struggling program, his journey stands as a beacon of hope and progress, both on and off the field.
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