New Defensive Coordinator

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After speaking with multiple sources I feel comfortable reporting Steve Spurrier wants to hire Will Muschamp. Whether or not it all ultimately works out remains to be seen, but I believe he will be presented with an offer from South Carolina. I also don’t think Muschamp coming to South Carolina would necessarily signal the end for Lorenzo Ward. There could be a scenario where Muschamp becomes the assistant head coach and Ward retains his coordinator title and salary. That route would require some concessions on Ward’s part, but it would allow him to keep his family in Columbia and he’d still play an important role on the staff.

If Muschamp is hired, I fully believe he would have an eye on parlaying it into a shot at the head coaching position when Spurrier retires. I don’t think it would come with a coach in waiting tag, but I could see South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner offering assurances that he would receive serious consideration when the time comes if he does an excellent job with the Gamecock defense. Two sources in the coaching community confirmed Monday night that becoming a head coach again one day is important to Muschamp. One of those coaching sources also has been told Florida has to pay Muschamp the full $6.3 million buyout whether he takes another job next year or not, so he's in a very strong position financially.

Another interesting connection between Spurrier and Muschamp is they share the same agent - Jimmy Sexton - which could expedite things if it reaches the negotiation phase. Muschamp’s record as a defensive coordinator is excellent and adding him to the staff in Columbia would be a home run both from a coaching and recruiting standpoint.

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