With just a couple of months remaining until the start of summer camp, Southern Miss finds itself with an unexpected opening on Todd Monken‘s coaching staff.
In a press release, the school announced that Steve Buckley has stepped down from his position as assistant head coach. Buckley also served as Monken’s director of player of personnel.
As was the case with an Iowa assistant earlier this year, Buckley is leaving football for an opportunity in the private sector.
“I had a chance to go back into private business and it was too good of an opportunity to pass up at this time,” said Buckley in a statement. “I appreciate the opportunity that the University and Coach Monken have given me and I wish them nothing but success.”
FootballScoop.com wrote that "[w]e understand that Buckley plans to take a more active role in a local business that he already owned.”
Buckley, whose alma mater is Southern Miss, served three different stints with the Golden Eagles. Prior to Monken’s arrival, he was Ellis Johnson‘s offensive coordinator.
“While he was here with us, Steve did a tremendous job with our program,” said Southern Miss coach Todd Monken. “He was essential in our recruiting efforts when I first got the job and continued to do that for the last year. He will certainly be missed and we wish him nothing but the best.”
(Photo credit: Southern Miss athletics)