Green resigns as Southern Miss head basketball coach;
Norwood to serve as interim coach

THE SUN HERALD

HATTIESBURG - Southern Miss director of athletics Richard Giannini announced today that James Green, head men's basketball coach, will resign his position effective immediately and that Jeff Norwood, associate head coach, will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

"During James Green's eight year tenure, he has given great effort to advance the Southern Miss men's basketball program," Athletics Director Richard Giannini said.

"James is a quality person. In a very competitive Conference USA, he led the team to a conference championship and two NIT appearances. He has been a leader off the court, as well, achieving high graduation rates among his student athletes. I appreciate James' dedication to Southern Miss and I wish him well in his future endeavors".

Green, a native of New Albany, was named head coach at Southern Miss in 1996 following assistant coaching stints at Iowa State, Alabama, Texas A&M, and Idaho. He also served as head coach at Jim Hill High School in Jackson in the mid 1980's. During Green's eight seasons at Southern Miss, the Golden Eagles have compiled a 123-109 record.

Under Green's direction, Southern Miss finished with a record of 22-9 in 2000-01, were C-USA regular season co-champions and participated in the National Invitational Tournament. Green was named C-USA Coach of the Year. In 1997-98 the Golden Eagles posted a 22-11 record and also earned a berth in the NIT.

"I'm thankful for the opportunity that I've had here at Southern Miss, " Green said. "I've been blessed in that I've had a dream come true. I would like to thank all of our fans for their support of the basketball program and for their support of me personally. I wish the university and our athletic programs the very best, and I would like to thank all the coaches, and staff members who have been so helpful and supportive. And, most of all, I wish the very best for all the players who have been a such a meaningful part of the program during my tenure and for what they have meant to me."

A national search, headed by Giannini, will begin immediately. An advisory committee will be organized, consisting of members of the Southern Miss athletic council, athletic foundation, and men's basketball student athletes. "The search for a new coach will be comprehensive and expeditious," Giannini said.

<a href='http://www.sunherald.com/mld/thesunherald/8116733.htm' target='_blank'>SUN HERALD: James Green resigns</a>

Do you guys view this as good news or bad news?

It DEFINITELY depends on who you ask!

Some fans think it's the worst move made in many years; some think it's the best news they've heard in years. It's definitely a devisive issue.

It should be great news for Uof M!!! You guys played the most boring basketball in C-USA (except for St. Louis). Find you a guy you can fill that gym up.

GO C-USA!!!!!!

mnktigers Wrote:It should be great news for Uof M!!! You guys played the most boring basketball in C-USA (except for St. Louis). Find you a guy you can fill that gym up.

GO C-USA!!!!!!

You're just hoping it's great news for Memphis because Green's had your number in Hattiesburg for so long!

Bad news! Coach Green was a big plus, and did a lot with the talent he had. The school never gave him the support he deserved.

Have any thoughts on who you would like to repalce him with? There are plenty of good names out there, maybe Eustachy?

touchdown Wrote:Have any thoughts on who you would like to repalce him with? There are plenty of good names out there, maybe Eustachy?

Did I call that or what?? Congrats, he is a damn fine coach. All that crap at Mizzou was blown way out proportion and I'm sure it's all behind him. With the addition of Penders at Houston and Eustachy for you, the conference bball won't take too bad of a hit with the defections. Now if UAB can keep Anderson watch out!!!

Folks, two years ago Coach Eustachy could have had most any job in college basketball. I suspect that he will be even better now that he is healthy again. What a hire for USM. He'll get the players and lead them to championships. I no longer live in Hattiesburg, so you will all need to fill Reed-Green. Let's hear some more from fans. Go Eagles!