University of South Carolina defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix has been named the defensive coordinator on Houston Nutt’s staff at Ole Miss, it was announced today.

“Tyrone Nix is a good person, a wonderful family man and an outstanding football coach,” said Gamecocks’ head coach Steve Spurrier. “We wish him the very best at Ole Miss except when they play the Gamecocks. We understand change is part of the coaching profession and hopefully this will be a good move for everyone. I can say to the Gamecocks that I will try my best to hire a proven, outstanding defensive coordinator,” added Coach Spurrier.

Nix, 35, has been one of the youngest defensive coordinators in Division I college football for the past seven years, directing defenses at his alma mater, Southern Miss, and for the past three seasons at South Carolina. This year, the Gamecocks ranked ninth in the SEC and 56th in the country in total defense, allowing 378.1 yards per game. They were sixth in the conference and 37th in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 23.5 points per game.

“My family and I have had a wonderful time here in Columbia, South Carolina,” said Nix. “I’ve had an opportunity to work for one of the best head coaches in the game and I’ve learned a lot of football from him. I’m equally impressed with his family. In Jerri, he has one of the best coaches’ wives in college football.

“Change is a part of this profession and I think the best thing for me at this time is to go work for the University of Mississippi and see what we can get done there,” continued Nix. “It will be great to be closer to home.”

Nix earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern Miss in 1995 after being a standout linebacker and team captain. A native of Attalla, Ala., Nix and his wife, Toya, have one son, Tyvari, and one daughter, Tiah.