According to a published report, Southern Mississippi is targeting Appalachian State athletic director Charlie Cobb to become the new AD at the Hattiesburg, Miss. college.

The Hattiesburg American reported on its web site Thursday that Southern Miss is interested in Cobb to replace Richard Giannini, who retired in January after 13 years. Jeff Hammond, a former quarterback at Southern Miss, has been serving as the program's interim athletic director. Cobb was the only candidate listed in the report, but it also said he was one of the "top candidates."

Cobb was not immediately available for comment. Southern Mississippi assistant athletic director in charge of media relations Jack Duggan was also not immediately available for comment.

Cobb replaced interim athletic director Linda Robinson, who replaced former athletics director Roachel Laney, in 2005 at Appalachian State. Under Cobb's tenure, Appalachian State's football team won national football championships from 2005-07. During that time, Appalachian State's attendance in football has set school records.

The Mountaineers also underwent a facilities upgrade that included expansion of Kidd Brewer Stadium, upgrade of Varsity Gym and the construction of Smith Stadium. Cobb also oversaw the increase of Appalachian State's athletic budget from $7.5 million in 2005, his first year, to $14.5 million for the 2011-12 season.

Cobb was also the co-chairman of the Appalachian State Athletics Feasibility Committee, which looked into the possibility of Appalachian State's football program making the move from the Football Championship Subdivision into the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Should Cobb take over the Southern Miss program, one of his first tasks could be to find a men's basketball coach. Several reports have said coach Larry Eustachy leaving Southern Miss and becoming the new coach at Colorado State. Eustachy signed a three-year contract worth $380,000, according to the Harrisburg American.