Will Hudgens resigns as Houston football coach

By John Varlas
Memphis Commercial Appeal
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Will Hudgens is leaving Houston's football program to reunite with his old high school coach.

Hudgens told The Commercial Appeal Wednesday that he's accepted a job at St. Benedict, where he'll coach under John Cooley. Hudgens was Cooley's star quarterback on the Ridgeway team that won a state championship in 2002.

"I want to thank everyone at Houston for what they've done for me," Hudgens said. "It was a great experience for me personally and professionally and I was able to learn a lot. They're going to have a very, very good team next year and I'll be rooting for those guys."

"But it's just a great opportunity for me to work under my old coach."

In five seasons, Hudgens compiled a 29-26 record and guided the Mustangs to the playoffs each year. His best season was 2014 when the team finished 10-2 and last year's team ended at 6-5 after a first-round loss to Germantown in the Class 6A playoffs.

Houston athletic director Chad Becker said the transition toward hiring the Mustangs' next coach was already underway.

Reach John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @johnvarlas.