STARKVILLE – On Tuesday, Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District named Jay Hopson its new athletic director. Hopson arrives in Starkville after a more than 30-year coaching career at the collegiate level. The former Ole Miss safety has worked as an assistant for LSU, Florida, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State in the Southeastern Conference and as a head coach for both Alcorn State and Southern Miss.
“Jay is a proven leader,” SOCSD Superintendent Tony McGee said. “He brings a wealth of experience as a player, coach and administrator to our athletics program that I believe will position our coaches, teams and students for success. We are excited about the future of Jacket Athletics under his leadership and look forward to him taking our programs to a new level of excellence.”
As a head coach, Hopson won two Southwest Athletic Conference titles with Alcorn and the 2014 Black College Football National Championship before joining the Golden Eagles in 2016. Most recently Hopson served on Mike Leach’s staff from 2021-22 as a defensive assistant and was the cornerbacks coach at South Alabama from 2023-24.
“I just want to thank Dr. McGee,” Hopson said in an interview with the Dispatch. “It’s something I’ve been looking forward to in my career, it’s time for me to put the whistle up. I looked into administration a few years earlier, and it’s something I’m excited about. I knew it was something I wanted to do and I’m thankful that this opportunity arose.”
During Hopson’s time in Starkville, his wife, Michelle, began teaching at Sudduth Elementary School. She remained with the school and their love for the city stuck with them. Hopson was interested in an opportunity to settle down here and professed that the chance to take over the athletic department was too good for him to pass up.
“My wife and I fell in love with Starkville,” Hopson said. “It’s dear to our hearts and that made it extra special that this opportunity arose. We love living here, we have dear friends here and love the community, so we’re thankful that we’re back.”
Hopson’s first task is a big one, identifying the next head football coach for the Jackets. Chris Jones left in December to take the head coaching position at Hinds Community College. The position has been vacant for more than a month.
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