Rebels lose offensive coordinator to Cornell
OXFORD — Just one week before National Signing Day, Ole Miss is looking for a new offensive coordinator after Kent Austin’s decision to become the head coach at Cornell.
A source close to the coaching search said the 46-year-old is expected to be introduced at a 9 a.m. CST press conference in Ithaca, N.Y. Cornell is a Football Championship Subdivision team that plays in the Ivy League.
Austin spent two seasons with the Rebels, helping lead them to an 18-8 record, including a 9-7 mark in the Southeastern Conference and two Cotton Bowl victories. He also played quarterback for Ole Miss from 1981 to 1985.
Neither Austin nor head coach Houston Nutt returned messages seeking comment.
Austin had just finished the first year of a two-year contract that paid him $305,000 per year. Before coming to Ole Miss, he led Saskatchewan to a Canadian Football League championship in his only season as head coach.
Austin’s departure shouldn’t have a huge effect on the Rebels’ signing class. Though he’s considered a very good coach schematically, he wasn’t considered one of the team’s premier recruiters. Austin was also the quarterbacks coach during his tenure, guiding Jevan Snead through an uneven two seasons.
ClarionLedger.com
1/27/10
Magnolia Tribune
