Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive coordinator Will Muschamp complains to an official during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina introduced its 34th head football coach on Monday and Will Muschamp promised to do things his way as he tries to turn around a program that slipped the last two seasons under Steve Spurrier.
Muschamp said he is looking forward to his second chance in the Southeastern Conference.
The former Florida coach and Auburn defensive coordinator agreed to a five-year, $16 million contract that was approved by the university trustees on Monday morning.
Spurrier, another ex-Gator coach, had raised the level of expectations for the Gamecocks to compete for championships.
“That’s going to happen,” Muschamp said a press conference held at Williams-Brice Stadium on Monday. “There’s only one Coach Spurrier. I need to be Will Muschamp.”
The 44-yer-old Muschamp was the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football last season in his first year back at Auburn after his failed head coaching stint at Florida. Muschamp was 28-21 at Florida (2011-14) before being fired after four seasons.
Muschamp won 11 games and guided the Gators to the Sugar Bowl in 2012, but they dropped to 4-8 the next season.
“I’d compare (head coaching) to marriage,” Muschamp said. “The first year there is a little adjustment and that fifth year you are doing a little bit better.”
South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner expects Muschamp to get the Gamecocks back on the winning track.
“I am very excited about the future of this football program under his leadership,” Tanner said. “I think he’s going to be here for a long, long time. We have a coach that fits so many great characteristics. He’s the man most suited to lead our football program.”
Spurrier announced his retirement in October after a 2-4 start to give South Carolina time to take a long view on filling his position. The Gamecocks lost their last five games to finish 3-9.
Muschamp’s contract pays him $3 million in the first year, increases each year after by $100,000 and contains a variety of incentives, meaning he will be paid $3.4 million in its final year.
