Southern Miss athletics director Jeremy McClain receives contract extension

HATTIESBURG — Southern Miss announced a contract extension Wednesday for Athletic Director Jeremy McClain.

McClain's new four-year deal will keep him under contract until April 30, 2026.

McClain has served as USM's athletics director since April 2019, helping to oversee the athletic programs' transition to the Sun Belt Conference from Conference USA, which is due to be completed on July 1.

"Jeremy has demonstrated exemplary service and dedication to our Department of Intercollegiate Athletics," University President Rodney D. Bennett said in a news release. "Extending his contract ensures the continuation of our current momentum to support the holistic growth and development of our student-athletes, which enhances their ability to compete at the highest levels both on and off the field."

McClain previously served as the athletics director at Troy for just under four years.

He has made several key personnel decisions during his tenure at USM, including the appointment of football coach Will Hall and men's basketball coach Jay Ladner.

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"As we make the exciting transition to the Sun Belt Conference on July 1st, there has never been a more critical time for our athletics department," McClain said in the press release. "I look forward to continuing to work with our outstanding coaches, staff, and student-athletes to capitalize on our momentum and chart a new path forward."

Reach Southern Miss writer David Eckert at deckert@gannett.com or on Twitter @davideckert98.

This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Southern Miss extends athletics director Jeremy McClain