The interim label has been lifted from the title of Mississippi College head coach Johnny Mills.

The former Warren Central assistant was selected to head up the Choctaws after leading them to a 3-7 record this season.

Mills was named interim coach in May, following the resignation of Terry McMillan. MC President Howell Todd said that his search committee’s recommendation was unanimous. He said a committee looked at several candidates.

Todd said that Mills is “a man of integrity, character and spiritual depth.”

Mills, a Batesville native, graduated from MC in 1973 and was an assistant there for eight years. He served as defensive coordinator and head coach this year. His defense produced four all-conference selections. He’ll also have the services of record-setting quarterback Payton Perrett next season.

The Choctaws struggled this season with a young defense that was replacing most of its best players from the 1999 season.

After a 2-2 start, MC went into a five-game losing streak before finishing the season with a victory over Louisiana College Saturday.

Mills coached high school football in Mississippi for 17 years before coming to MC. He was an assistant at Warren Central in 1986.

The Magee team he coached in 1991 finished the regular season 9-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state.

“I’m already taking steps towards putting things in order for next year,” Mills said. “I love coaching at MC. I’m a Choctaw and I love it here. My heart and soul will be in everything I do.”