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Football Completes Staff With The Addition of Defensive Tackles Coach

Hattiesburg, Miss. - Southern Miss Head Football Coach Jeff Bower has announced the employment of Fred Tate, a former defensive line standout for Southern Miss in 1995-96, as the Golden Eagles' defensive tackles coach. He comes to Southern Miss after serving as an assistant coach at East Carolina for the past two years.

Bower also has announced that Assistant Head Coach Randy Butler will now coach the tight ends, Ron McCrone the defensive ends, Lytrel Pollard the linebackers and Derrick Nix the running backs. Jay Johnson, quarterback coach, and Jay Hopson, defensive backs, were earlier announced as the offensive and defensive coordinators, and Courtney Messingham was announced yesterday as the wide receivers coach. Mitch Rodrigue will continue to coach the offensive line and Pollard will coordinate the special teams.

"We are happy that Fred has returned home to Southern Miss to become a part of the Golden Eagle family once again," Bower said. "He was a talented player and a leader for us on both the defensive side of the ball and on special teams. He was a member of the Golden Eagle squad that led us into Conference USA as the league began and helped us win the conference championship in 1996. He played with an intensity and an enthusiasm that now spills over into his coaching ability. He brings several years of coaching experience to our staff, and I am excited that he is a member of the coaching staff."

Tate was the outside linebackers coach and assisted with various phases of special teams at East Carolina. He also coached at Middle Tennessee State (DL/1992), Southwest Texas State (DL/punt/2001), East Mississippi Community College (DL/punt/kick cover/1997, 2000) and Jacksonville State (DL/special teams/1998-99).

While at Southwest Texas State, he coached All-American Clenton Ballard, who now is a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He coached Mark Word at Jacksonville State, who now is a member of the Cleveland Browns.

Tate was a two-year letterwinner at Southern Miss from 1995-96, playing defensive end and tackle. He began his collegiate playing career at East Central Community College, earning JC Gridwire All-America honors. He was selected as the offensive MVP of the junior college all-star game. He earned his bachelor's degree in human performance from Southern Miss in 1997.

Prior to enrolling at East Central, Tate served in the United States Army in the Airborne Division. He served for five years, earned an Army Commendation Medal and Soldier of the Quarter three times.