bill clark jsu

Bill Clark is shown here against Samford (Mark Almond/malmond@al.com)

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Bill Clark has signed a contract to become UAB's new head football coach, a source confirmed to AL.com.

Clark has also officially let Jacksonville State know that he is leaving. JSU announced his resignation.

UAB has not announced Clark officially, but said that a press conference to introduce the new head football coach will be on Wednesday at 3 p.m. It will take place in the Green and Gold Room at Bartow Arena and will be open to the public.

The Anniston Star reported that Clark met with his JSU players at 6 p.m. to tell them of the news. Former UAB head coach Garrick McGee, who resigned after two seasons to go to Louisville to serve as offensive coordinator, did not meet with UAB players.



Clark, 45, led the Gamecocks to an 11-4 record and an FCS quarterfinal appearance in his first season as head coach. That set the Ohio Valley Conference record for wins and tied a school record for wins by a coach in his first year.

The Gamecocks also set 49 school records, 13 OVC records and three NCAA records during the 2013 season. JSU beat Samford and McNeese State to record first-ever playoff wins at the Division I level.

"We're very proud for Bill and the success that he had at Jacksonville State," Jacksonville State President Dr. Bill Meehan said in a statement. "He is a JSU grad and we are excited about his personal success and we are grateful for the success he brought to the Gamecocks this year."

Clark had been the defensive coordinator at South Alabama for the previous five seasons. The Jaguars finished second in the Sun Belt in total defense in 2012 in just their first full FBS season.

Clark spent nine years as the head coach at Prattville, where the Lions won two Class 6A state championships. Clark's 2007 team was ranked No. 2 nationally. Clark won his last 30 games at Prattville. His record was 107-11.

Clark was chosen among a list of candidates that included former Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe, current Bethune-Cookman head coach Brian Jenkins, Cincinnati offensive coordinator Eddie Gran, Atlanta Falcons assistant Chris Scelfo and South Alabama head coach Joey Jones.

He has a buyout of $400,000, but UAB was paid $550,000 after McGee resigned on Jan. 9.

Clark becomes UAB's fifth head coach. Details of his contract are not immediately available.

Jacksonville State released a statement on Clark's departure.

"Coach Bill Clark informed me this afternoon that he has accepted another job," athletic director Warren Koegel said. "I want to thank Coach Clark for the last 13 months of service to Jacksonville State University as our head football coach, and all the things the team was able to accomplish under his leadership."

"I have always been proud to say honesty, respect, loyalty, trust and integrity are the way we run our athletic department at Jacksonville State University. Loyalty to the players and team, honesty and respect are the upmost importance to me, my staff, our Board of Trustees and to our president, Dr. Bill Meehan."

"We have great respect for our team and our number one concern is for this team's well-being and their success as college student-athletes. We care about them as people, as students and as football players. I pledge to them that we will make a quick decision to find an outstanding coach who will continue to lead them to success in all areas of college life."