South Alabama cornerbacks coach Dwike Wilson has been hired for a similar position at Sun Belt Conference rival Southern Miss, it was announced Friday.

Wilson spent the last two seasons at South Alabama, where he was also recruiting coordinator. He came with head coach Kane Wommack from Indiana, where he worked as director of player personnel for two seasons.

Southern Miss lost inside linebackers coach and defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong to Alabama last week. Cornerbacks coach Chad Williams will move to inside linebackers to open up a slot for Wilson and add the title of defensive run game coordinator.

“We are thrilled to complete our defensive staff for next season,” Southern Miss coach Will Hall said. “Golden Eagle fans should be excited about the addition of Dwike Wilson to our staff to coach cornerbacks. Dwike is highly thought of as one of the best recruiters in the South. His track record for developing defensive backs speaks for itself.

“As for Chad Williams, this former Golden Eagle great has been a successful defensive coordinator while coaching linebackers at several places, including Central Arkansas, Valdosta State and for me at West Georgia. I know Chad will do a great job with these new responsibilities.”

Wilson, 45, grew up in Mississippi and graduated from Ole Miss. He also coached several years in the Mississippi junior college system and has deep recruiting ties in the state.

Wilson is the first assistant coach to leave the Jaguars since the end of the 2022 season. His hire at Southern Miss was first reported by On3 Sports.

Southern Miss joined the Sun Belt Conference last summer. The Jaguars beat the Golden Eagles 27-20 in Hattiesburg in November.