Ole Miss fires off. coordinator Dan Werner, Barney Farrar
OXFORD - Ole Miss’ shopping list grew from one coordinator to two Thursday morning.
In what was unexpected news, the school announced co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Dan Werner, who held those titles the previous five seasons, would not return next season.
“His leadership and experience were invaluable in the development of our quarterbacks," coach Hugh Freeze said in a statement. "These are always very difficult decisions, but at this time, I believe it is best for our program to have a fresh approach.”
The school also announced Barney Farrar, Ole Miss’ assistant athletic director for high school and junior college relations, would not have his contract renewed and was no longer a member of the staff.
Farrar was placed on administrative leave last month.
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Quarterbacks Chad Kelly and Bo Wallace, each of whom was recruited from East Mississippi Community College with varying pedigrees, both found success under Werner’s tutelage. Ole Miss ranked 35th in total offense in the FBS and was tied for 45th in scoring offense this season.
The offense started games well but consistently sputtered in the second half. The Rebels averaged 10.8 points in the second half as opposed to 21.8 in the first. Werner had gained a significant role in the team's play-calling during his tenure, but Freeze also called plays.
Calls placed to Werner by The Clarion-Ledger were not immediately returned Thursday.
The news of Werner’s firing came less than two weeks after defensive coordinator Dave Wommack’s retirement as the Rebels ended the year 5-7.
Ole Miss hasn’t been concerned with speed when it comes the timing of the defensive coordinator hire and has been more focused on selecting the right candidate.
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Auburn secondary coach Wesley McGriff, who coached corners at Ole Miss in 2012, has had his name linked to the job.
Freeze and Ole Miss’ coaching staff has been on the road recruiting the past two weeks and because of the vacancies on staff, they have been joined by Lee Wilbanks and Bruce Johnson (both of whom are in off-field staff positions). The final day of the recruiting contact period is Sunday. The dead period begins Monday and lasts through Jan. 11.
It’s probable that movement on the coordinator searches could pick up once the dead period arrives. Oregon offensive coordinator Matt Lubick coached receivers at Ole Miss from 2006-07 and worked with Freeze. His future at Oregon may be in doubt with the hiring of new coach Willie Taggart. Other names that bear mentioning include Major Applewhite (most recently Houston's offensive coordinator) and Kendal Briles (most recently Baylor's offensive coordinator).
Whoever does take over Werner’s old role will inherit a talented quarterback in Shea Patterson, a deep crop of wide receivers and an offensive line that gained valuable experience this season.
Whoever takes over at defensive coordinator will inherit a group that struggled mightily in 2016 and may lose their best playmaker, defensive end Marquis Haynes, to the NFL draft.
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Farrar's name was brought into the spotlight during April’s NFL draft. Photos of an alleged text exchange between former Ole Miss offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil and John Miller, assistant athletic director for football operations, were posted to Tunsil's Instagram.
In the exchange, Tunsil asks for money to pay rent and his mother's $305 electric and water bill, which Miller replied by saying, "see Barney next week." Tunsil admitted to taking money from Ole Miss coaches later that night. ESPN later reported the alleged text messages were real.
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Farrar declined to comment when reached by The Clarion-Ledger on Thursday. He played a big part in the Rebels' recruiting efforts over the years.
Farrar received permission from the SEC to recruit on the road in place of Werner, who had to deal with extenuating circumstances with his family.
Ole Miss’ 2017 recruiting class is currently ranked 60th in the country, according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings, and last in the SEC.
As of Thursday afternoon, the Rebels have 10 commitments. So recruits and coordinators to coach them stand as their priority now.
Contact Antonio Morales at amorales2@jackson.gannett.com. Follow @AntonioCMorales on Twitter.