The University of South Carolina has announced its new head coach will be Auburn's defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, according to the University's team website. Muschamp becomes the 34th head coach for the Gamecocks, and is considered one of the great defensive minds at the college level. South Carolina's new head coach agreed to a five-year $16 million deal to take over as the Gamecocks' next coach, according to James Crepea of Al.com.
South Carolina's head coach Steve Spurrier resigned after starting the season 2-4 this year, and Muschamp will have big shoes to fill in Columbia.
"Coach Spurrier raised the expectation level here and we're going to continue pushing that," said Muschamp, via AL.com. "The ceiling is limitless. I am about winning championships and I believe that."
The Gamecocks finished in last place in the SEC East, and ended the season with a 1-7 conference record. Muschamp, 44, has 21 years of coaching experience, and has coached in the SEC for 13 seasons, including three years as the Florida Gators head coach. In 2012, Muschamp led the Gators to a 11-2 record and was named the SEC Coach of the Year. South Carolina's new head coach has a record of 28-21 as a head coach, and was a part of the 2003 LSU team that won a national championship.
The Gamecocks were dominated in conference play this season, and Muschamp will look to make an immediate impact in South Carolina. He said he will take his time in hiring his staff, but he is likely to bring in a strong offensive-minded coach, as Muschamp will likely run the defensive side of the ball. Muschamp said it was fantastic to learn from Gus Malzahn's offense at Auburn, according to AL.com. Muschamp can attract top defensive recruits across the country and the Gamecocks will look to dramatically improve on the defensive side of the ball, but it will be interesting to watch what happens with South Carolina's offense under their new head coach.
