USM's Butler contacted about North Texas head foot

[mgsteve]

Hattisburg American

USM's Butler contacted about North Texas head football coach vacancy

By Kareem Copeland

Southern Miss assistant head coach Randy Butler confirmed that he has spoken to North Texas athletic director Rick Villarreal about taking over the football program following the 2007 season.

"I've been contacted about my interest," Butler said. "I said I was and that's all I know right now."

Villarreal, who left an associate athletic director position at Southern Miss in the spring of 2001, announced that Darrell Dickey would coach the remainder of the season for the Mean Green, but would not return last week.

Butler said he received the phone call two or three days ago.

"Yeah, it's a good opportunity," Butler said. "But right now I'm trying to focus on UAB. If that happens later on, that'd be great."

Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower confirmed that he knew about the situation.

"I haven't talked to him, we've played phone tag," Bower said. "I've had a phone call in regards to that, yeah."

Butler has been with the Golden Eagles since 1993 and was promoted to assistant head coach in 2001. He graduated from Southern Miss in 1979, earned his master's in 1981 and was a graduate assistant from 1979-80.

As of this afternoon, USM athletic director Richard Giannini had not talked to Villarreal.

"No one's called me for permission," Giannini said. "I'd give anybody permission if they have the opportunity to better themselves. I don't want to hold anyone back."

Edited November 16, 2006 by mgsteve