by Hunter Dawkins, Owner/Publisher – editor@thegazebogazette.com or hdawkins@supertalk.fm

HATTIESBURG (GG) — With a slew of coaches addressing the local media Tuesday, June 29 at the Duff Athletic Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi for Southern Miss Football Media Days before fall camp, the theme was about discipline and depth.  Each coach and coordinator expressed the team’s attitude and the amount of athletes per position who are healthy.

“The first step in discipline is demanding it,” said Southern Miss new Head Football Coach Charles Huff, who led his previous team, Marshall, to a 2024 Sun Belt Conference Championship. “That’s the first step, in everything. It’s just as important for these guys to go to the grocery store and purchase the right stuff, come in here to our nutrition center and eat the right stuff, as it is for them to go to class on time, as it is for them to show up to meetings on time, as it is for them to be respectful in the community.”
Huff has taken over as head coach after a difficult 1-11 season in 2024. He brings significant changes, including a revamped roster with approximately 80 new players, about 20 of whom followed him from Marshall, including quarterback Braylon Braxton.  With an investment in the coaching staff and roster, there’s a strong desire to see a quick turnaround for the Golden Eagles, but Huff has stated that success will be measured by daily progress rather than just wins and losses.
Recently hired Offensive Coordinator Blake Anderson returns to Hattiesburg after serving as an assistant coach under Larry Fedora, close to 15 years ago.  After successful head coaching stints at Arkansas State and Utah State, Anderson’s return has generated excitement among Southern Miss fans, especially given his past success with the program and his overall head coaching record. He joins a staff under Coach Huff that is expected to bring significant changes to the team. 
Expect Anderson to bring his “aggressive” and “up-tempo offense” philosophy to the Golden Eagles while the coordinator has emphasized the need for more depth and length on the offensive line, particularly at the tackle positions.
Former Marshall defensive coordinator Jason Semore, who followed Huff to Southern Miss mentioned a few schemes the defensive unit would be preparing for.  The DC discussed providing players with a “technique toolbox” to execute their assigned tasks and stressed that dependability within the scheme, not just raw talent, determines playing time.
With a 4-2-5 setup that has a few principles of a regular 3-4 scheme, Semore expressed the goal of establishing a defensive standard defined by effort and physicality.
Finally, Special Teams Coordinator Joe Bolden was the last to address the media.  Previously, Bolden worked for Tulsa during the last two seasons, as he expressed the need for hard work, effort, mental and physical toughness, and player development.
Huff highlighted the depth of the roster, especially in the offensive skill positions and offensive line, indicating a more competitive environment for playing time.  Overall, Southern Miss football is generating considerable excitement heading into the 2025 season under Coach Huff’s new leadership and with a significantly revamped roster. 
The media day provided a glimpse into the team’s aspirations and the work being done to achieve them.
(All photos by Hunter Dawkins/The Gazebo Gazette)