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S. Carolina coach Muschamp retaining interim Elliott to lead O-line
Will Muschamp is keeping Shawn Elliott on his staff, naming the former South Carolina interim coach to lead the offensive line.
The school announced Elliott's retention Monday, along with the hiring of strength and conditioning coach Jeff Dillman.
Elliott had spent the past six seasons as the Gamecocks offensive line coach, also serving at various times as the running game coordinator and co-offensive coordinator under ex-coach Steve Spurrier.
Elliott was elevated to interim coach at South Carolina after Spurrier resigned in mid-season. Spurrier hoped Elliott's time would be an audition for the full-time job. Instead, the Gamecocks went 1-5 with Elliott including a five-game losing streak to end the season.
Elliott did increase the energy level at practices, reviving what had been lackluster workouts with loud music and challenging players. The players welcomed the changes, even if they did not produce better results.
"You can see it in his eyes that he's just as fired up as anyone else," offensive lineman Mike Matulis said. Elliott "brings that passion and fire to everybody on the team."
Elliott also handled the jarring move of Spurrier leaving and his sudden call to head coach with a deft touch. Elliott carried one of Spurrier's visors out of the tunnel in his first game as head coach against Vanderbilt on Oct. 19 to the loud cheers of a full house at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Elliott spoke with athletic director Ray Tanner about the permanent opening before the Gamecocks hired Muschamp earlier this month.
Elliott was out recruiting for the Gamecocks, at times with Muschamp by his side, the past week. The offensive line position is the second on that side of the ball to be filled by Muschamp. Earlier this month, the former Florida head coach and Auburn defensive coordinator tapped Bobby Bentley -- an Auburn offensive adviser -- as Gamecocks running backs coach.
Muschamp named Travaris Robinson as South Carolina defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach.
Dillman was Florida's strength and conditioning coach from 2012-14, the final three seasons Muschamp was Gators head coach. Dillman spent this past year on the strength staff of Alabama.
