Southern Miss' Eustachy taking leave

Jan 10, 2008 - 1:26 AM JACKSON, Mississippi (Ticker) - Southern Mississippi coach Larry Eustachy will be leaving the team for an indefinite amount of time, the Clarion-Ledger reported on its web site Wednesday.

Eustachy will be taking time off to to be with his mother, who the report listed as "extremely ill."

The coach said he is not certain when he will return.

"I may be the coach against Tulane (on Saturday). It's a day-by-day thing," Eustachy told the Clarion-Ledger. "The doctor told me (Monday) to come now to spend some quality time with her."

According to the report, Eustachy informed the team prior to the Golden Eagles' 52-41 loss to Central Florida in the Conference USA opener for both teams. It was the fourth straight setback for Southern Mississippi (8-7).

Associate coach Steve Barnes is expected to fill in for Eustachy.