December 01, 2003

Mississippi State offers Croom coaching job

In the wake of two prolonged meetings, athletic director Larry Templeton said Sunday that Green Bay Packers assistant (and former 'Bama center) Sylvester Croom has an offer to become the next football coach at Mississippi State.

MSU is looking to replace coaching legend Jackie Sherrill, who retired this year. Croom was previously considered a front-runner for the Alabama coaching job and would become the first black head coach in the SEC.

Sources said Croom seems to have some reservations about the job because state law prohibits a contract longer than four years, and State is awaiting word on the progress on an NCAA investigation that could bring sanctions for possible rules violations from 1998-2002.

A final decision is expected from Croom as early as today.

UPDATE: Croom has accepted the position and will be the new Head Coach at MSU. A news conference will be held tomorrow to introduce the new coach.

Posted by Kevin Donahue

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Comments & Trackbacks

1. Kevin Donahue says:

   posted on December 1, 2003 06:12 PM — link

   This is 100% the right decision for MSU. Great, great, great hire.

2. Randy H. says:

   posted on December 1, 2003 09:05 PM — link

   MSU is very lucky to have gotten Croom, but as a State fan I'm thrilled. Not only is it a good thing that he happens to be black and casts the university in a good light on the race issue (not important to me, but important to many I recognize), but with his coaching experience at Alabama and his stint in the pros will greatly assist with recruiting. Excellent move.

3. schmed says:

   posted on December 2, 2003 09:39 AM — link

   Thufferin' Thuccotash!
   Welcome to the SEC, Sylvester. Just one bit of advice: Don't listen to anything Curly Hallman says - he's Starkville's village idiot, and that's saying something.

4. Chris Settle says:

   posted on December 4, 2003 02:57 PM — link

   As a Bulldog myself, I am pleased with the Croom hiring. Apparently, he was the number one guy from the start. I had really leaned toward LSU's OC Fisher, but he was never a serious candidate with Croom being the number one.

   However, I am excited that he is disciplined and experienced. All I, and any Bulldog fan wants, is a winner. But I am glad to see that this hiring has also shined a positive light on the university and the state. Living in Chicago, I hear and am questioned about certain stereotypes. Being from Mississippi and living there for over 20 years of my life, I know that MSU and its administration and fan base just want a quality coach and winner. Whether he be black, white, red or aqua-marine.

   P.S. shmed, could not agree with you more.

5. Randy H. says:

   posted on December 4, 2003 09:32 PM — link

   I've never heard of Curly Hallman. :)

   Yes Chris, I'm proud of MSU for this decision. Not because of the racial issues, but because I think this hire represents the type of quality recruiting process that was conducted and shows that we're looking at the long term. Jackie lost his edge a few years ago, and just never got it back. Many people would have been looking for a quick fix to get back to the success of the late 90's. This won't be a quick fix, but I believe that Croom's presence will not improve the quality of the coaching, but also the quality of the recruiting.