 Ken Cooper, an assistant under Kinard since 1971, was named head coach on January 17, 1974, and took Ole Miss through the 1977 season.Cooper compiled a 21–23 record, and his tenure is probably best remembered for the matchup with Notre Dame in September 1977.In one of the most memorable games in Rebel football history, Ole Miss upset Notre Dame, 20–13 in Mississippi Memorial Stadium on September 17, 1977, in Jackson.