South Alabama Announces Campbell Will Not Return
It’s was previously reported that it was expected that South Alabama would be making a change at head coach. It has not been confirmed with an official announcement by Director of Athletics Joel Erdmann and the University.
He informed the team at a 2pm team meeting.
University of South Alabama Director of Athletics Joel Erdmann announced Sunday that Steve Campbell will not return as head coach of the Jaguar football program.https://t.co/9Zn1NOiaYp pic.twitter.com/ibhOpFm2gQ
— South Alabama Football (@WeAreSouth_FB) December 6, 2020
In three seasons at South Alabama, Campbell compiled a 9-26 record overall as the head coach. He had one year left on his 4 year contract that was signed in December 2017. Reportedly his $350,000 buyout was paid by a program booster.
It had looked like Campbell had secured his job for one more season after notching the programs first-ever win in Jonesboro, Arkansas against Arkansas State on November 28. However an embarrassing 29-0 shutout at home to in-state rival Troy for the first-ever meeting between the two in brand new, $80 million Hancock Whitney Stadium was too much to overcome. The Jaguars had never been shutout at home and finished the 2020 season 4-7.
The 2019 season his team finished 2-10 with their only FBS win came on a season ending upset of Arkansas State behind a stellar five catch, 144 yard and four touchdown performance by Jalen Tolbert.
Campbell came to South Alabama after a four-year stint at Central Arkansas where he went 33-15 and going 24-3 in the Southland Conference. In each of his last two seasons his teams went to the playoffs but were knocked out in the second round each time.
Prior to UCA, Campbell led Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College to an 87-22 record and the 2007 National Junior College Athletic Association national champion during his 10 seasons as the helm.
During his three season stint at Delta State from 1999-2001, his teams posted a 27-8 record including a 14-1 record and the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2000.
Until his time at South Alabama Campbell had never finished with a losing record, however his Jaguar teams were continually plagued by poor performing offensive lines, an offense that struggled to score, and a porous defense that slowly improved through his tenure along with longtime defensive coordinator Greg Stewart.
We would like to also thank coach Campbell and his staff for their hard work for the student-athletes, administration, and the University. We wish them and their families the best.
Campbell became only the second head coach in South Alabama football history after Joey Jones’ contract was not renewed after the 2017 season.
The University will look to fill the position quickly with the early signing period begins on December 16.
Dan Parker of the Parker Search Firm is leading the search for the replacement.
Early names being floated or who have expressed interest are Indiana DC and former USA DC Kane Wommack, Tennessee WR coach Tee Martin, Ole Miss OC Jeff Lebby, Alabama RB coach Charles Huff, Alabama DB coach Karl Scott, Notre Dame RB coach/Run Game Coordinator Lance Taylor, and Wofford head coach Josh Conklin.