By Angie Ledbetter

After spending the last 15 years in the NFL, Deshea Townsend decides to go the college route.

As was reported Friday, Townsend interviewed for the cornerbacks coaching position at Mississippi State University. He was offered the job and on Friday morning accepted the position.

Mississippi State head coach  Dan Mullen made the official announcement after his postseason press conference concluded Friday afternoon.

Saturday morning Townsend returned  to Starkville to start his new position.

Townsend’s decision was based on opportunity and timing.“But it’s still football no matter how you cut it. It’s the game I love and being a part of,” he said.

The process of him interviewing with Mississippi started when talking with some people in Pittsburg, according to Townsend. Then one of the MSU coaches called to see if he was interested in coming to Starkville to talk and he agreed to go.

Townsend’s contract ended with the Arizona Cardinals this month.

“The (Arizona) defensive coordinator was getting ready to interview for head coaching jobs so I could’ve waited on him but thought this was a good opportunity,” Townsend said.

The process went fast from there due to the recruiting season and MSU wanted the recruits to know who their coaches would be.

Townsend said his decision felt right.

“It’s a good opportunity to do something different, mentor to some young guys and teach them some knowledge about life and the proper technique on playing football,” Townsend said. “It’s always good to get a different look at how the game is played. It’s still football but makes me a better coach to see it from every angle.”

Townsend likes the idea going from the NFL to college. He said that is in his favor.

“In the pros you can’t touch them (receivers) past five (yards) but now I can actually teach guys to push them downfield and do things the NFL might be called a flag so that could play in my favor,” he said.

Another thing that makes Townsend happy is returning to Mississippi where he grew up and played high school football.

“It’s awesome. It’s always great for kids in Mississippi to hope they can do what they want to do. Play in the NFL, coach in the NFL and now coach in college. That’s another possibility that’s unlimited.”

As far as how Townsend thinks he can help the recruiting at MSU he said he thinks everybody wants someone in whom they can be comfortable.

“It’s also great to have guys that have been places that you want to get to,” he said. “Every kid’s goal is to get an education but you are playing a game where you have the opportunity to possibly play in the NFL so what better place to go when you know your coach has played there and been in situations where you’re going to.”

Townsend said MSU hiring him and his taking the job is not just about recruiting players from South Panola or Panola County.

“It’s about recruiting players from everywhere,” he said. “I think as a person I can relate to the players that I’m recruiting. I can talk to them and always treat them like a man and that’s what you want. You want someone that has your best interest.”

With his Pay It Forward Foundation and gym, Townsend said now that he is here both can continue to service and do its job.

“The more ties and the more people in Mississippi always helps,” he said. “. . . The foundation has always been in Mississippi but the level of time that I’ve been able to do it has been hard but now its home and I can help other towns. That’s what it’s all about.”

As far as the status of where Townsend will live, laughing he said he has to live in Starkville because it’s a full time job even though he still has a home in Oxford.

“One thing about it is it’s a great state. No matter where you’re at, it’s a great place to live.  I’ve met a lot of people from other different cities and states and I’d take nothing back about growing up in Mississippi.”

Townsend gave credit to the experiences he has had and the knowledge he has gained from his coaches.

“I’ve had some great guys in front of me teaching me the game of football. Some of those are Bennie Abson, Willis Wright, Ben Stallings, Bill Cowher, Mike Tomlin and Dick LeBeau.”

On Sunday night Townsend had his first recruiting weekend and said “it went great.”