JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (AP) - Jacksonville State has hired South Alabama defensive coordinator Bill Clark as football coach.

Athletic director Warren Koegel announced the hiring Tuesday of Clark, who will be introduced at a Wednesday news conference.

Clark spent the past five seasons as South Alabama's defensive coordinator, and the Jaguars ranked second in the Sun Belt Conference in total defense in 2012.

He led Prattville High School to two straight Class 6A state championships and his last two teams won 30 consecutive games.

Jacksonville State athletic director Warren Koegel says he feels like Clark ``is the perfect fit to be our head football coach.''

Jacksonville State fired longtime coach Jack Crowe on Nov. 30 with two years remaining in his contract. He had led the Gamecocks for 13 seasons.