How Blake Anderson, Southern Miss learned Charles Huff was hired by Memphis
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According to Blake Anderson, Southern Miss football had less than two days to grapple with the possibility of coach Charles Huff leaving for Memphis.
Initial reports of Huff leaving popped up on Dec. 6. The next day, Huff and athletic director Jeremy McClain confirmed Huff’s departure, and on Dec. 8, Memphis made it official. Anderson said the news of Huff leaving “went from rumor to reality” in 12-18 hours.
“I think as it developed just the last 24 hours or so maybe, it made sense … that this is a legitimate (thing), it might happen,” Anderson told reporters on Dec. 10. “… When it became reality … he came in and said (to the coaches), ‘Guys, Obviously, y’all heard the news, and I’m taking it, and I’m going to be stepping away to make sure that I’m not a distraction.’ ”
On Dec. 7, McClain named Anderson as the interim coach tasked with leading Southern Miss (7-5) in the New Orleans Bowl, where the Golden Eagles will face Western Kentucky (8-4) at the Caesars Superdome on Dec. 23 (4:30 p.m. CT, ESPN).
Anderson, who previously served as the offensive coordinator, will look to finish what Huff started this season, turning USM’s program around from a 1-11 finish in 2024.
“This is not about me at all,” Anderson said. “I told the players and administration my job is to steer them towards the game and be as little of a distraction as possible. We’ve got a good system in place. Coach Huff did a phenomenal job building that culture and the system is going to stay exactly the same through the game.”
Additionally, Anderson added all previous staff except for Huff chose to stay and coach in the bowl game.
With 10 years of experience as a head coach, Anderson has emerged as a candidate to fill the vacancy permanently. He was not shy about stating his interest in the role.
“I’ve made it very clear I’d love to be the head coach here,” Anderson said. “I wouldn’t have probably come back here if I didn’t feel that way about this place. … So, yeah, I made it really clear to Jeremy and the administration. They know that, and they’re working through the process, and I trust how they’re handling everything.”
According to Anderson, when Huff told the players he was leaving, their conviction in winning the New Orleans Bowl didn’t waver.
“The seniors (defensive back) Josh Moten and (quarterback) Braylon Braxton got up there, and they talked to the team,” linebacker Chris Jones said. “And we decided as a team, even without help, we’re going to come together and win this last game for the seniors.”
Braxton, who followed Huff to Southern Miss after playing for him at Marshall, was complimentary of his former coach’s character in wishing him well.
“When I found out the news, I was happy for him, honestly,” Braxton said. “He deserves it more than anybody. One of the hardest working coaches I’ve ever been around. Great man, great father, great husband. He’s just a great guy all-around.”
Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at treid@usatodayco.com and follow her on X @tiareid65.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: How Blake Anderson, Southern Miss learned Charles Huff left for Memphis
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