Alcorn State slow in naming new football coach

May 10, 2012 - 8:09 PM Alcorn State, MS (Sports Network) - Two and a half months after firing its head football coach, Alcorn State University has yet to name his successor.

The Southwestern Athletic Conference university originally announced it would name the replacement for Melvin Spears Jr. following its spring game on April 28. It later postponed the announcement to this week's commencement activities.

Alcorn State spokeswoman Clara Stamps declined to say in an email to The Sports Network Thursday when there will be an announcement.

One of the four previously announced finalists, former Southern Mississippi and Memphis defensive coordinator Jay Hopson, had taken his name out of consideration, although there remained speculation that he was still a candidate.

The other announced finalists were Michael Armour, the offensive coordinator at the University of Northern Colorado and part of Alcorn State's staff from 2008 to early 2011; Fredrick Farrier, the head coach at Kentucky State from 2005-09; and Todd McDaniel, Alcorn State's defensive line coach and interim head coach since December.

Alcorn State had 2-8 record, including 1-8 in the SWAC, last year. Spears was placed on administrative leave in December and then fired in February.