Ole Miss football head coach Nutt rounded out his coaching staff Wednesday when he announced the hiring of former Rebel quarterback Kent Austin as the team's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
"There's nothing like hiring a quarterback coach who has played the position, especially at his alma mater," Nutt said. "Kent Austin is a great character person and an excellent fundamental teacher.
"One of the first things you notice is his passion for coaching quarterbacks. With his knowledge and his expertise in coaching quarterbacks and the passing game, Kent will be a tremendous asset to our program."
Austin most recently won the Canadian Football League's Grey Cup Championship as the rookie head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Brentwood, Tenn. native is still recognized as one of the greatest quarterbacks to put on a Rebel jersey.
Austin is second in career completions (566) and attempts (981), third in passing yards (6,184) and 200-yard games (11), and fourth in passing touchdowns (31) and total offense (6,179).
"I am extremely excited and feel tremendously privileged to join Coach Nutt and his staff at Ole Miss," said Austin. "Houston (Nutt) is not only a great coach, but more importantly an outstanding person.
"I will work with diligence and passion to honor the trust that he has placed in me and will do whatever is asked to contribute positively to the program and to build into the lives of young men. This is wonderful blessing for my family who share in my excitement about coming home."
Oher to remain a Rebel
He's Back
Almost 24 hours after deciding to leave the Ole Miss family en route to the upcoming 2008 National Football League Draft, Rebel offensive tackle Michael Oher had a change of heart and announced that he will return for his senior season.
"While I felt good about being projected as a possible first round pick and had everybody in my corner, it just kept coming back to me that I was leaving some unfinished business at Ole Miss," Oher said. "It's really about winning more games and going to a bowl game. I wanted to be a part of making that happen. "Most of all, I want to finish my senior year with my teammates. Also, I'm sure mom and dad are happy with my decision to come back."
Oher has racked up the accolades while at Ole Miss and looks to add more to his resume after deciding to return to Oxford.
Most recently in 2007, he was named First Team All-SEC and was recognized by Phil Steele as a Fourth Team All-American.
As a freshman in 2005, he was named a First Team Freshman All-American.
"I was excited when Michael called to say he's decided to return to Ole Miss for his senior season," said Rebel head coach Houston Nutt. "Michael told me he wanted to make a commitment to his academics and to football and be the very best football player he can be. It's good to have him back in the Ole Miss family."
