Finley promoted to head strength and conditioning coach

"It's an honor to come in and lead this program," Finley said. "I'm excited for the future of Southern Miss and the opportunity to lead it. We've got a great group of guys coming back, as well as a great atmosphere and coaching staff."

Finley, who has been at Southern Miss since 2015, was previously the Assistant Director of Athletic Performance for football. Before coming to Southern Miss, Finley had been the Assistant Director for football at UAB during the 2014-2015 campaign. He also the same position at Washington State during their 2014 winter workouts.

Finley spent time in 2013-2014 athletic seasons at Auburn and was one of five strength and conditioning coaches that worked with the Tigers football team during their BCS National Championship appearance.

He also worked with the 2013 National Championship Equestrian team as the head strength and conditioning coach and served as assistant strength coach with the softball team.

In 2012, Finley was a graduate assistant strength coach at Arkansas State University, 2012 Sun Belt Conference Champions. He was also chief strength coach for the men’s and women’s track & field, bowling and assisted with women’s soccer.

Before moving the college ranks, Finley was the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Running Backs Coach for Opelika High School in Opelika, Ala.

Finley is a 2007 graduate of Tuskegee University (B.A. History, Minor in Physical Education) and was a four-year starter at running back for the Golden Tigers and won two conference championships. Finley also earned a MS in Sports Administration from Arkansas State in May of 2014.

Finley takes over for Zac Woodfin, who left this spring for a similar position at Kansas.