South Florida hired Jeff Scott, a longtime assistant coach at Clemson, as its new head football coach on Monday.
Scott, the co-offensive coordinator for No. 3 Clemson, has been on the Tigers’ staff for 12 years. He played at Clemson and graduated in 2003, and filled a variety of roles before being promoted to his position prior to the 2015 season.
Since then, Clemson has gone 68-4 and won two national championships.
USF athletic director Michael Kelly said in a statement, “Jeff is a very bright, enthusiastic and driven leader for our program and we are thrilled to welcome him to USF and back to Florida, where he was born and where he has recruited so well for Clemson for many years.
“He is a young and extremely gifted offensive mind, a developer of high-level talent and an elite national recruiter who brings the experience of having played an integral role from the beginning in helping to build one of the most successful programs in college football.”
Scott said in a statement, in part, “I have great respect for the USF football program and what has been accomplished in a very short time and can’t wait to get to work building on that foundation to produce a championship program. …
“It is difficult to leave my alma mater and the great program we have built at Clemson, but I believe we can do great things at USF. I am thankful to Coach (Dabo) Swinney and all the Clemson players and staff for the great experiences and lessons that have prepared me to lead USF football. Go Bulls!”
Scott, who turns 39 later this month, was a finalist for the 2018 Broyles Award as the top assistant coach in the nation.
South Florida found its replacement for Charlie Strong, who was fired after a 4-8 season. Previously the head coach at Louisville (2010-13) and Texas (2014-16), Strong was 21-16 in three seasons with the Bulls.
