James Walter Hopson (born October 13, 1968) is an American college football coach and former player.

In the latter role, he was the first white head football coach in the history of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, an organization composed of historically black colleges and universities.

Hopson succeeded Tyrone Nix, who was elevated to defensive coordinator to replace Dave Wommack.

Southern Miss forced Bower to resign following the 2007 season, and new head coach Larry Fedora did not retain Hopson for his staff.

[10] Hopson departed Michigan after the 2009 season to become defensive coordinator at Memphis under new head coach Larry Porter.

Hopson was the first white head football coach in the history of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, which is composed of historically black colleges and universities.

Both the 2014 and 2015 teams won the SWAC Championship Game; the 2014 was named the black college football national champion.

[18] Mike Leach hired Hopson as a defensive analyst and Director of High School Relations at Mississippi State in March 2021.