Following Charles Huff’s departure for Memphis, Southern Miss has named offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Blake Anderson as the interim head coach for the team’s upcoming bowl game.
Anderson was brought back to Hattiesburg to be part of Huff’s inaugural staff last offseason. He previously worked as the offensive coordinator at Southern Miss under Larry Fedeora from 2008-11 before moving on to head coaching stops at Arkansas State and Utah State.
Southern Miss athletic director Jeremy McClain announced Anderson as the interim coach Sunday evening and confirmed Huff will not coach in the New Orleans Bowl. McClain added that the search for a permanent head coach is “already underway.”
“We met with the team today to discuss the transition, and I shared that Blake Anderson will serve as our interim coach as we prepare for the New Orleans Bowl,” a statement from McClain reads in part. “Our search for the next, right leader of Southern Miss football is already underway. This program is on the rise, momentum is strong, and we remain fully committed to building a championship future. Southern Miss football is in a great position moving forward, and we are excited about what lies ahead.”
Statement from Director of Athletics, Jeremy McClain pic.twitter.com/axZAflUGds
— Southern Miss 🔝 (@USMGoldenEagles) December 7, 2025
Sources confirmed Saturday morning that Huff was in the process of finalizing a deal to become Memphis’ next head coach. He confirmed the move Sunday night. In one season in Hattiesburg, Huff revived the program with a 7-5 record and led the team to its first bowl berth since 2022.
“Decisions like this are never simple, especially when they involve a place as special as Southern Miss,” a portion of a statement from Huff reads. “Coaching here has been one of the most meaningful opportunities of my career.”
#SMTTT pic.twitter.com/ZdUpLjxYvF
— Charles C. Huff (@CoachHuff) December 8, 2025
Southern Miss will take on Western Kentucky in the New Orleans Bowl inside Caesars Superdome on Dec. 23. Quarterback Braylon Braxton and defensive back Josh Moten went to social media Sunday evening and seemingly confirmed that there won’t be many opt-outs from a roster perspective.
We gon be ready believe that! Need all the support we can get down in New Orleans‼️ #SMTTT https://t.co/0RUYC6CA6P
— Braylon Braxton (@braylon_braxton) December 7, 2025
McClain commended the players for their decision to play in the bowl game amid the coaching search.
“This group of young men has come together in a remarkable way, produced a special season, and is fully committed to finishing the right way,” the AD’s statement continued. “I encourage everyone to join me in celebrating them and supporting them throughout bowl season.”