Staying the course: Johnson hopes to continue USM’s winning ways

HATTIESBURG — Southern Miss is changing football coaches, but if new boss Ellis Johnson has his way, the schemes and fundamentals of game plans probably won’t change much at all.

Johnson, 59 and a 29-year veteran of college coaching, plans to build on the success of Larry Fedora’s fast break style of football, which this season produced the first 11-victory season in school history.

“I’ve got great respect for what (Fedora) has accomplished,” Johnson told the crowd of approximately 250 fans at his introductory press conference. “I think he’s one of the great offensive coaches in our profession today, and I hope we can continue the exciting and productive offense he has produced.

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12.20.11

Ellis Johnson to be next USM coach

HATTIESBURG — Veteran defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson will be the next football coach at Southern Miss, two people with direct knowledge of the negotiations said late Monday night.

A press conference to announce the hiring of Johnson, 59, could be held as soon as today in Hattiesburg.

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12.20.11