November 10, 2004
Spurrier to replace Holtz?
11/18/04 Update: Aaron White reports on some more news in this matter.
Fueled by the Gamecocks' 6th win, the rumors have grown even stronger in Columbia this week that South Carolina Coach Lou Holtz will go out a winner and step down after this season. The name of former Florida Coach Steve Spurrier has been mentioned with even more frequency than usual this week (it was first mentioned after the end of last season in Columbia) and the rumors are probably even stronger than they have been at most other schools where Spurrier has been discussed as a possibility.
Earlier in the week, Ron Morris of The State wrote a column suggesting that Holtz might step down after this season now that a winning record and a bowl trip had been achieved.
After practice Tuesday, Holtz told members of the media that he considered Spurrier a "friend" and an "excellent coach" but there's not a vacancy for now. He also said he's not sure what he's going to do next season and that he's not interested in being an athletic director. Holtz also said 'it would be great for South Carolina' if Spurrier were to follow him as coach.
Today, ESPN.com picked up a report from The State that a representative of the University of South Carolina contacted Spurrier about the job. Spurrier pointed out that both S. Carolina and North Carolina had coaches but he wouldn't deny interest in Holtz's job if he retired. His name has also been tied to the Texas job.
Ron Morris pointed out today that Spurrier debunked a few of the minor rumors circulating but just added to the growing speculation about the possibility of him coming to Columbia.
There are also Gamecock players speculating on the record that Holtz will retire.
Spurrier also denied rumors that he had purchased a house on Lake Murray near Columbia or in Chapel Hill (or any of the others of dozens of college towns he has been reported to have purchased land near since November 2003.)
He also denied he'd been offered a membership at Augusta National although he has played there with Holtz and South Carolina alumnus Dan Reeves. Holtz was granted a membership and Hootie Johnson (President of the club) is a Gamecock alum.
In the past it has been noted that Spurrier assisted Beth Holtz's admission to the cancer treatment center at the University of Florida.
Athletic Director Mike McGee declined to comment and Asst. AD Kerry Tharp said Holtz "has not decided his future here."
Clemson Coach Tommy Bowden was even asked a question by the media about the Spurrier rumors.
Other coaches on the S.C. staff with head coaching experience include Skip Holtz, Rick Minter and Dave Roberts.
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Comments & Trackbacks
From Backcountry Conservative
pinged on Nov 10, 2004 10:22 PMFull details in my latest post at Fanblogs....
From Backcountry Conservative
pinged on Nov 10, 2004 10:37 PMFull details in my latest post at Fanblogs. UPDATE: Kevin Donahue points out (again at Fanblogs) that Dave Wannstedt has been mentioned as a possibility at Pitt and his name may also start popping up regarding other college vacancies including...
Jeff Quinton says:
posted on November 10, 2004 10:58 PM — linkOne thing I neglected to mention in the post: Minter, Skip Holtz and Rick Stockstill on the current staff all have buyouts in their contracts that would have to be dealt with.
Lou Holtz has a no-buyout contract and was given an extension late last season. However, he or the school can terminate the contract penalty-free on 5 days notice.
Michael Hickerson says:
posted on November 11, 2004 09:18 AM — linkAnother day, another Spurrier rumor....
Jeff Quinton says:
posted on November 11, 2004 09:20 AM — linkYeah, but how many of the other ones actually featured him speaking on the record or a coach that might be leaving discussing him?
Michael Hickerson says:
posted on November 11, 2004 12:29 PM — linkYeah, but does SC have what it takes to get Spurrier?
From The MUSC Tiger
pinged on Nov 11, 2004 1:20 PMJeff Quinton reports on the rumors at Fanblogs.com. I'll refrain from commenting...but let's just say I know a guy who knows a guy who knows another guy...
Jeff Quinton says:
posted on November 11, 2004 01:38 PM — linkI'd guess they have the money unless they had to pay buyouts to all 3 assistant coaches who have them (at the very least I'd expect them to have to buy Skip Holtz out.)
There's another rumor that Lou Holtz could move up to Dir. of Football Operations in the athletic dept (since he said he didn't want to be AD but was silent about anything else administrative.)
Kevin Donahue says:
posted on November 11, 2004 02:47 PM — linkSpurrier's recent quote:
``I think I've made it clear now that if I go back into coaching, it'll be at a good state university, a college job. Hopefully it will be in the South. I'd rather not get up there in the North.''
Look at the full context. After being asked about Texas, South Carolina & North Carolina, he then says he wants a State college, in the "South", not in the "North".
I may be going to far into this, but --to me-- he's begging "South" Carolina to offer him the job.
dave frey says:
posted on November 11, 2004 05:31 PM — linkI think you're going to far into it :)
Texas is definitely South.
Roland says:
posted on November 11, 2004 10:04 PM — linkIf you really stop to think about the things that Spurrier has said to this point, South Carolina isn't that far of a stretch. He wants a good Southern State University. Where better than South Carolina? He would have great golfing, a talented program, and as much money as it would take. Boosters from South Carolina will throw enough money his way if he chooses to come here because winning is that important and for the opportunity to land Steve Spurrier in Columbia money is no option. The more important question is how much is a Green Jacket worth? It is not far fetched to think that Hootie Johnson would give Spurrier a membership into Augusta National. He did it for Holtz and Spurrier could be next. So what does that mean to Spurrier to be a lifelong member of the most exclusive country club in the world? Finally, to elaborate on my earlier point, the 59 year old Spurrier probably wouldn't want to spend his time rebuilding a program, he wants to win. South Carolina has the talent to play with any team in the country basically, they just aren't mentally tough enough to. Spurriers cocky but that's what makes him the best coach in college football. We need players and fans that believe we're going to win, that believe we're going to beat Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. Don't get me wrong, Lou has done wonders for the program, he's recruited more talent than I can remember, BUT his old fashioned play calling has done nothing but tantalize fans with big leads, put this really bad feeling in your stomach, blow opportunities, and leave fans wondering WHAT IF? Carolina needs a coach that is gonna walk out there and win, not try to keep from losing. 85,000 fans pile into Williams-Brice for every home game, even in a 0-11 season. The fans want to win, the players want to win, the University wants them to win. Lou is not winning enough. Carolina wants a winner. Spurrier is a winner. It's only a question of whether Spurrier wants to win at South Carolina.
Realist says:
posted on November 12, 2004 10:19 AM — linkI believe with Augusta National dangling in his face he will go to SC. The problem I see arising for SC is his lack of desire for recruiting, fan club meetings, etc. Initially, just by name recognition, many great recruits will just pick SC without alot of recruiting effort. But since he is almost 60 years young, just how long will he coach? My bet is that he doesn't have the same success as he did at UF and retires much sooner than expected.
Roland says:
posted on November 12, 2004 03:43 PM — link...Here's the problem with what you just said. 60 is not old. Most successful college coaches that goes into their 60's enjoys success. The real problems with age come in at 70 or 75. More importantly than that Spurrier doesn't like the stain that the Redskins left on his record. Do you think that he would go back to college football if he wasn't gonna get it done? Why go back and ruining your legacy by not creating a winner? Especially whenever you still have ten million dollars coming to you for the next two years from the guaranteed contract the Skins gave you. He doesn't get that money if he comes back to coaching. So why do it, unless he is gonna get it done?
Jeff Quinton says:
posted on November 14, 2004 09:38 AM — linkBill Curry addressed this issue during the S.C.-Florida game but there was really nothing new to add - just further speculation and a rehash of the news from earlier in the week.
From SEC College Football - Fanblogs.com
pinged on Nov 18, 2004 8:25 AM“The ol' head ball coach is on his way back to the Southeastern Conference — just not where everyone expected.” This morning, the Tennessean is reporting that Steve Spurrier has agreed in principle to replace Lou Holtz as the Head Coach of the South Ca...
From Backcountry Conservative
pinged on Nov 18, 2004 9:02 AMA new post at Fanblogs by Aaron White points to a report in today's Nashville Tennesseean that says Steve Spurrier has agreed "in principle" to be the next head coach at South Carolina and that the announcement would be made...
From Backcountry Conservative
pinged on Nov 18, 2004 9:04 AMA new post at Fanblogs by Aaron White points to a report in today's Nashville Tennesseean that says Steve Spurrier has agreed "in principle" to be the next head coach at South Carolina and that the announcement would be made...
