John Thompson's lengthy career has led him to defensive coordinator positions at Southern Miss, Memphis, Arkansas, South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana Tech and Northwestern State.
His next stop could be Ole Miss.
Thompson said Thursday he has spoken with Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron about a position on the Rebels' staff.
Thompson, 51, is the athletic director at Central Arkansas - his alma mater - but is considering a return to the coaching ranks.
"Let me just say that we've talked," Thompson said. "Coach Orgeron is a friend of mine and we've been friends for a long time and, yes, we have talked."
Thompson coached Orgeron in his first season as defensive coordinator at Northwestern State in 1983. Orgeron also worked as a graduate assistant under Thompson in 1984.
It was one of several coaching stops for Thompson, who has 20 years of experience as a defensive coordinator. In addition, Thompson also had a two-year stint as East Carolina's head coach.
Thompson's last coaching job was as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at South Carolina under Steve Spurrier in 2005. Thompson moved back to his home state as Central Arkansas' athletic director last spring.
"It is fairly public that he has been approached by Ole Miss and that is a tribute to his ability," Central Arkansas president Lu Hardin said. "Obviously, my understanding is his name has been mentioned for many defensive coordinator jobs. We hope he stays, but understand opportunities have to be examined."
Orgeron, who has served as his own defensive coordinator the past two seasons, wouldn't talk about specific possible staff changes on Thursday.
Neither would athletic director Pete Boone.
"This time of year, there's a lot of great guys that are available," Orgeron said. "There's a lot of great coaches that would like to be at Ole Miss and in the SEC, so we have a lot of options. I'm going to do what makes our staff stronger to take us to the next level."
Ole Miss has one staff opening after receivers coach Matt Lubick resigned to accept a position at Arizona State last month.
His next stop could be Ole Miss.
Thompson said Thursday he has spoken with Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron about a position on the Rebels' staff.
Thompson, 51, is the athletic director at Central Arkansas - his alma mater - but is considering a return to the coaching ranks.
"Let me just say that we've talked," Thompson said. "Coach Orgeron is a friend of mine and we've been friends for a long time and, yes, we have talked."
Thompson coached Orgeron in his first season as defensive coordinator at Northwestern State in 1983. Orgeron also worked as a graduate assistant under Thompson in 1984.
It was one of several coaching stops for Thompson, who has 20 years of experience as a defensive coordinator. In addition, Thompson also had a two-year stint as East Carolina's head coach.
Thompson's last coaching job was as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at South Carolina under Steve Spurrier in 2005. Thompson moved back to his home state as Central Arkansas' athletic director last spring.
"It is fairly public that he has been approached by Ole Miss and that is a tribute to his ability," Central Arkansas president Lu Hardin said. "Obviously, my understanding is his name has been mentioned for many defensive coordinator jobs. We hope he stays, but understand opportunities have to be examined."
Orgeron, who has served as his own defensive coordinator the past two seasons, wouldn't talk about specific possible staff changes on Thursday.
Neither would athletic director Pete Boone.
"This time of year, there's a lot of great guys that are available," Orgeron said. "There's a lot of great coaches that would like to be at Ole Miss and in the SEC, so we have a lot of options. I'm going to do what makes our staff stronger to take us to the next level."
Ole Miss has one staff opening after receivers coach Matt Lubick resigned to accept a position at Arizona State last month.
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