Fedora takes the hat as head coach

December 13, 2007

Hattiesburg, MS (CSTV U-WIRE) -- Golden Eagle fans are traveling to Hat Shack today.

After weeks of rumors and speculation, athletic director Richard Giannini finally broke his silence on his replacement of Jeff Bower, who many people believe was forced out Nov. 26 after 17 seasons.

"Pending IHL board approval, I am happy to announce that our new head coach is Larry Fedora," President Martha Saunders told a filled ballroom in the Thad Cochran Center.

Fedora has been named the Golden Eagles head coach after serving three seasons as offensive coordinator for Oklahoma State. This will be his first head coaching job.

"Becoming a head football coach has been a dream of mine a large part of my life," Fedora told fans, alumni, media and members of the Southern Miss pep band. "This is a great university and athletics are rolling."

The 45-year-old has 16 years of college coaching experience including stint at Florida under Ron Zook. Giannini said he was looking for a way to fill the seats and reunite a "fractured fan base" when he began his search for a replacement.

"Everyone raved about his ability as a coach, recruiter and teacher," Giannini said. "We got the right guy, and I think you'll love him. We wanted someone that had incredible energy and incredible passion for the game of football and tremendous passion to be successful.

"And there's no question we got the No. 1 guy. From Day 1, he was on our list."

Fedora's high-powered offense at Oklahoma State averaged 33.4 points and 484.1 yards per game on the way to a 6-6 record for the Cowboys and an Insight Bowl berth.

Fedora will be under pressure to win immediately given Bower's record of 119 wins, 14 winning seasons and 10 post-season appearances.

Oklahoma State had the seventh-ranked rushing offense in the nation with 245.3 yards per game with the overall offense ranked ninth.

Fedora spoke about Bower and his legacy that he would do his best to continue with the tradition that Bower built up during his tenure.

"You can never replace a Jeff Bower," Fedora said. "He is a living legend. Coach Bower built a foundation and established a legacy."

Bower will coach his last game on Dec. 22 in the Papajohns.com Bowl in Birmingham, Ala.

Fedora promised offensive-minded football while retaining the Nasty Bunch mentality on defense as well as keep Southern Miss one of the top universities in the country in graduating athletes.

Fedora stressed that it is crucial to build relationships with local high-school and junior college coaches in the area for recruiting and will "hit the ground running".

"I'll talk to high school and junior college coaches," said Fedora. "I want them to have a relationship with Larry Fedora."

After leading fans in Southern Miss chants, Fedora stressed the importance of packing the stands on Saturday and to support the team at home.

"We need to pack the Rock. The Rock can be our fortress. It'll be our edge," he said. "We need you to be obnoxious and loud."

Even though the 2008-2009 football season is months away, fans are already anxious for next season.

"I'm excited," said Pat Fries, a senior radio and television production major. "I think if he can bring that exciting style of offense to Southern Miss, we have potential to do well."

(C) 2007 The Student Printz via CSTV U-WIRE