Morris WattsOffensive Coordinator
Coach Morris Watts comes to campus by way of Michigan State where he was a nominee for the Broyles Award, given to the nation’s top assistant coach. He made the Spartans offense number one in the Big Ten for total offense and total passing offense.
Watts also held a four-year stint at LSU where he led the Tigers to back-to-back SEC rushing titles in 96 and 97. He also tutored Vinny Testaverde in his one season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Watts commented on how spring practice was progressing, “Our biggest problem now is competing. We have to learn to compete every single play, every single day.”
Watts is married to Marlene Kay Watts; they have a son, Danny and a daughter, Charlavan.
Steve Campbell
Offensive Line
Coach Steve Campbell is noted for his two-year stint at Delta State where he directed the Statesmen to the 2000 NCAA Division II National Championship.
He also served on the staff at Auburn University where he assisted the Tigers to two SEC crowns. Campbell is a graduate of Troy State where he helped the Trojans capture the NCAA Division II National Championship.
Campbell is married to Shellie Campbell and they have a daughter, Kelsie and son, Steve
Guy Holliday
Receivers
Coach Guy Holliday comes to us from Western Michigan where Holliday’s 2000 squad posted a 9-3 overall record.
As offensive coordinator at Alabama State, he helped the Hornets become the number one passing team in the SWAC.
“The people have been treating me very good and I’m enjoying the hospitality,” Holliday said when asked how he was enjoying being at MSU. Holliday went on to comment on the Bulldog receiving corp, “We (the receivers) are getting better. I think we need to gain some polish to ourselves and really understand what we’re trying to accomplish offensively, but everyday we’re getting a little better.”
Holliday is married to Patricia Holliday; they have a son, Justin and two daughters, Christie and Schyluer.
Ron Cooper
Defensive Coord./Safeties
Coach Ron Cooper comes to Starkville by way of Wisconsin. Cooper served as the Badgers defensive backfield coach.
Under Cooper’s direction the Badgers had the Big 10’s two individual leaders in interceptions, including walk-on strong safety Jim Leonhard, who led the nation with 10 interceptions.
Cooper also acted as the assistant head coach on the staff of Lou Holtz at Notre Dame, he helped the Fighting Irish to the 1992 Sugar Bowl and 1993 Cotton Bowl championships.
When questioned about the new defensive scheme Cooper said, “We ‘re learning it (the new defensive scheme) pretty good. We’ve still got some things to put in, but for the most part I’ m pleased this spring.”
Coach Cooper’s wife is Djuna Locklayer. They have a son, Tristan and a daughter, Tyler.
John Blake
Defensive Line
Coach John Blake has been running a defensive line football camp for the past four years. Among his clients include Miami Dolphin defensive end Jason Taylor, Atlanta Falcon linebacker Keith Brooking and St. Louis Ram strong safety Adam Archuletta.
Before his camp Blake was head coach at the University of Oklahoma from 95-98 where he recruited 18 of the 22 starters on the 2000 national championship team. He also helped coach the Dallas Cowboys’ to the Super Bowl title during the 93 and 95 seasons. Blake had five players make the Pro Bowl in his seasons at Dallas.
“It is a tremendous blessing for me to work for Coach Sherrill, knowing what he stands for in coaching,” Blake said. “He is one of the last legends left in college football.” Blake is married to Freda Blake; they have a son, Jourdan.
Compiled by Ross Dellenger