Hugh Freeze‘s 2017 coaching staff at Ole Miss will have a decidedly different look than his 2016 version.
In late November, the football program announced that defensive coordinator Dave Wommack has decided to retire from coaching at the end of year after nearly four decades in the profession. Nearly two weeks later, the rebels announced that co-offensive coordinator Dan Werner will not return as well.
Werner also served as quarterbacks coach.
“I am grateful to Dan for his contributions to our program,” Freeze said in a statement. “His leadership and experience were invaluable in the development of our quarterbacks. These are always very difficult decisions, but at this time, I believe it is best for our program to have a fresh approach. We wish Dan and his family the very best.”
In 2016, the Rebels were 13th nationally in passing offense and tied for 45th in scoring. They were in the Top 10 in 2015 in both of those categories.
Matt Luke remains on staff as the other co-offensive coordinator while also holding the title of assistant head coach. He’s also the Rebels’ line coach.
Werner has been in Oxford for all five year’s of Freeze’s tenure. He was also the Rebels’ coordinator in 2006 and 2007 under Ed Orgeron, who is now the head coach at LSU.
In addition to the move on Werner, it was also announced that Barney Farrar, the assistant athletic director for high school and junior college relations, would not have his contract renewed. Farrar had been on administrative leave prior to his dismissal.
Farrar was connected to the draft-day imbroglio involving former Ole Miss All-American offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil. It was reported in October that an NCAA investigation into the football program is ongoing.