Mississippi State hires offensive coordinator, line coach

STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - Former Michigan State offensive coordinator Morris Watts was hired Thursday by Mississippi State to fill the same position. <br> <br> Bulldogs coach Jackie Sherrill also announced former Delta State coach Steve Campbell will take over as offensive line coach. <br> <br> Both hirings had been widely reported since last month, but the school made it official Thursday <br> <br> Watts, 64, will also coach quarterbacks. He has been offensive coordinator at Michigan State the past four seasons, and was interim head coach for the final three games last year after Bobby Williams was fired. <br> <br> Michigan State averaged over 28 points per game last season. <br> <br> In 2001, Watts was nominated for the Broyles Award, given to the nation&#39;s top assistant coach. Michigan State led the Big Ten in passing with a school-record 292.5 yards per game and total offense (447 ypg). <br> <br> He served three stints as offensive coordinator at Michigan State and held the same position at LSU from 1995-98 during his 37-year coaching career. <br> <br> Watts replaces Sparky Woods, who was fired after the Bulldogs finished the season 3-9. Watts is Sherrill&#39;s fifth offensive coordinator in 13 years. <br> <br> Campbell was offensive coordinator and offensive line coach last year at Middle Tennessee. Before his one year with the Blue Raiders, he coached Delta State from 1999-2001. <br> <br> He led the Statesmen to a Division II national championship in 2000 and a 27-8 record overall. He replaces Carroll McCray. <br> <br> Sherrill fired five assistants, including defensive coordinator Joe Lee Dunn and defensive line coach John Hendrick, after the season. <br> <br> Ron Cooper was hired as defensive coordinator and John Blake as defensive line coach in December. <br> <br> Sherrill still must replace wide receivers coach Craig Stump.

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