LORMAN — In the wake of Alcorn State head football coach Earnest Collins accepting the same position at Northern Colorado, the school announced Thursday that interim president Norris Edney will head a search committee to select a new head coach.

Edney said in a press release the search committee would be formed Tuesday, and its charge would be to offer names to the university for the head coaching position as soon as possible.

“I would prefer a small committee of five, as we have a short deadline to come up with submitted names from which a coach will be chosen,” Edney said in the release.

The members of the search committee will be announced on Tuesday.

Edney said he doesn’t have a short list of potential candidates, and anyone can apply for the position.

“I don’t have a list at all,” Edney said. “Those interested can apply as soon as possible.”

Collins was named Northern Colorado’s head coach on Tuesday after accumulating a 9-13 record in his two years as Alcorn State’s coach.

The Braves went 3-6 in his first season and 5-6 in his second. They finished as runner-ups in the SWAC East division both years.

Collins’ departure comes at a bad time for Alcorn, as the recruiting season is in full force.

“It’s safe to say that this is a difficult time, but we still look forward to a successful recruiting season,” Edney said. “We are positive that things will work out well for Alcorn State.”

Edney said an interim coach would be appointed on Tuesday to guide recruiting until a permanent head coach is hired.

Edney said the new coach would determine whether any of Collins’ seven assistant coaches will remain at the university.

There have been rumors that Alcorn’s standout quarterback Brandon Bridge will be following Collins to Northern Colorado, but Edney discounted those rumors in the release.

“I have no reason to presume that Brandon will not be back here at Alcorn next season,” Edney said. “He is an outstanding quarterback and person, and I am looking forward to him coming back to lead our offense.”