Steve Spurrier, the University of South Carolina’s all-time winningest football coach, told the Gamecocks Monday night that he is retiring, effective immediately.
Spurrier’s decision comes on the heels of a 45-24 loss to the LSU Tigers, USC’s fourth consecutive SEC loss. Co-offensive coordinator Shawn Elliot will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season, ESPN reports.
Since taking over in 2005, Spurrier amassed 89 wins and led the Gamecocks to bowl wins over the past four season. He won six SEC titles — and the 1996 national championship — while calling plays for the Florida Gators and spent three season at Duke.
His 135 SEC wins rank him second all-time to legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant’s 159.
Coach Spurrier has impacted & influenced more of us in this business than he will ever know. He will be missed and will always be the "HBC"
— Hugh Freeze (@CoachHughFreeze) October 13, 2015
Thank you, Coach Spurrier, for paving the way and showing us all what greatness truly is. #GoGators #HBC https://t.co/IHyB2loloX
— Jim McElwain (@CoachMcElwain) October 13, 2015
We’ll miss you, coach.