WCBD and Associated Press – UPDATE: Just after 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning, ESPN confirmed that Shawn Elliott, the current offensive line coach for the Gamecocks, has been named the University of South Carolina's interim head football coach and he will coach the rest of the season.
@ESPN just sent a push alert saying @ShawnElliottUSC has been named @UofSC's interim head football coach. @SC_HBC retire last night. @WCBD
— Evan West (@TV_Evan) October 13, 2015
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COLUMBIA, S.C. – After 11 seasons leading the University of South Carolina football program, head coach Steve Spurrier is retiring according to Sports Illustrated's Thayer Evans.
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier is retiring per source.
— Thayer Evans (@ThayerEvansCR) October 13, 2015
According to the AP, a close to the situation says the 70-year-old coach told his players Monday night. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because South Carolina has not publicly announced Spurrier's decision.
The Head Ball Coach is one of the most polarizing players and coaches of all time. Spurrier is 228-89-2 at Duke, Florida, and South Carolina.
Spurrier led the football program to new heights, leading the Gamecocks to three straight 11-win seasons from 2011-2013. He's also engineered the team to nine bowl games, with a 5-4 record.
We're also learning from Fooball Scoop that Spurrier will announce retirement Tuesday, October 13 and an interim will also be named.
FootballScoop has learned that South Carolina will name their interim head coach tomorrow morning http://t.co/sD4KPc0THi
— FootballScoop Staff (@FootballScoop) October 13, 2015
Spurrier, in the middle of his 11th season at South Carolina, did not return messages from the AP seeking comment.
Social media reactions are already rolling in and many are sharing their favorite Spurrier moments and quotes online.
Have a happy retirement, Coach Spurrier. You deserve it! #GatorGreat #GoGators #GatorsAlways http://t.co/uXZdM90tKD pic.twitter.com/ok4uDOq32N
— Florida Gators (@FloridaGators) October 13, 2015
The game won't be the same without the Head Ball Coach. pic.twitter.com/2zGpSCJhju
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 13, 2015
I'm so lucky to have had Steve Spurrier as my coach at Florida. He moved me from QB to WR and taught me the game. Thanks my friend.
— Cris Collinsworth (@CollinsworthPFF) October 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/finebaum/status/653743213384175616