Ole Miss AD Ross Bjork provides checklist for new football coach

Ole Miss knows it needs a new football coach.

Matt Luke is trying to fill some large shoes with the position left unexpectedly vacant by Hugh Freeze just before the 2017 season began.

While the Rebels are still focused on this season, they’re also dealing in reality and know they have a coaching search to conduct. Ross Bjork, speaking with the Clarion-Ledger, provided some insight into what he’s looking for in the next leader of the Ole Miss football program.

First, he said: “We need somebody who has seen it at the highest level. This is the SEC. We have to embrace that. Somebody who has an identity of what they want to bring to the program and they’re very consistent in that identity.”

Second: “We have to recruit and recruit and recruit. And you have to have the chops for that in the SEC. This is not for the faint of heart from a recruiting perspective. So obviously, we have to be dialed in there or have the staff that can do that.”

And lastly, leadership.

“Pure and simple leadership at the highest level. These jobs are CEO-type jobs,” he said. “They need to be able to manage a lot of different constituencies.”

While there are a number of possible names for the job, it’s clear the Rebels are aiming high. Meanwhile, their season could use a little revival and they will have a chance Saturday against Arkansas.

At 3-4, Ole Miss will have to claw their way to bowl eligibility. They might find a new coach before then, but the recruiting aspect will be extra important as they look to return to prominence and a bowl game.