Spurrier says new coordinators should bring change to Gamecocks

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina’s Steve Spurrier sounded like a candidate stumping for votes Tuesday instead of a head ball coach introducing new coordinators.

“I hear all these political people talk about change,” Spurrier said Tuesday. “We need to change some things around here and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Spurrier thinks he took a big step toward improvement last month when he hired former Georgia defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder to a similar position with the Gamecocks and Maryland’s Ray Rychleski to coordinate South Carolina’s special teams.

The new coaches flanked Spurrier, who calls South Carolina plays as offensive leader, and urged fans to hang in despite the struggles and disappointment that ended this season. The Gamecocks went from 6-1 and No. 6 in the country to 6-6 and out of the bowl mix.

VanGorder, who served on linebackers coach for the troubled Atlanta Falcons this season, remembers the nervousness he felt clicking on tape of his soon-to-be defenders at South Carolina.

Instead of the undersized, overmatched group he figured he would see, VanGorder saw a bunch of potential playmakers who were a bit inconsistent. “I feel optimistic,” VanGorder said.

Even more so with the return of injured star linebacker Jasper Brinkley. Brinkley passed up the NFL to return to the Gamecocks for his senior season, although players have until Jan. 15 to declare for the pro draft.

VanGorder sees a steady, spectacular leader to build around in Brinkley. It may be a stretch to compare Brinkley to a former VanGorder star in Georgia’s David Pollack, but the new coordinator was pleased he’ll get to pencil Brinkley in South Carolina’s depth chart because of his maturity.

VanGorder is glad to be out of Atlanta. He thought he was jumping on board a rising team with new coach Bobby Petrino and a dynamic offense led by quarterback Michael Vick. When VanGorder took Spurrier’s offer last month, Petrino had left for Arkansas and Vick was imprisoned after pleading guilty to his role in a dogfighting operation.

“How long to do you want to be here?” VanGorder answered when asked what this past season was like.

VanGorder, known for his intensity and enthusiasm, hopes to bring both to a South Carolina defense that has ranked at or near the bottom of the Southeastern Conference in Spurrier’s three seasons, leading to former coordinator Tyrone Nix’s departure to Ole Miss.

VanGorder had other opportunities, but said he settled on the Gamecocks because of the atmosphere and excitement he remembered from his days coming to Williams-Brice Stadium as an opposing coach.

Spurrier can’t wait for VanGorder to bring that feeling back. “I want to ask our fans to keep screaming on third-and-18,” Spurrier said. “Someday we’re going to make those stops. Brian, we’re going to make those stops.”

Spurrier referred to South Carolina’s final defensive sequence of the season when it allowed Clemson to make a first down after having the Tigers in third-and-18. Clemson’s drive ended with Mark Buchholz’s 35-yard field goal as time expired for a 23-21 victory.

On special teams, Rychleski said he also is eager to work with the talent he has seen. He most excited about triple-threat kicker Ryan Succop, although Rychleski might take some of the load of field goals, kickoffs and punts from the senior-to-be.

Rychleski’s philosophy is simple: “Fundamentals over gimmicks,” he said.

Rychleski said he didn’t change punt schemes once during seven years with Maryland, a stretch where the Terps never had a punt blocked. The Gamecocks had three kicks blocked in their final two games.

“Fake punts are great,” Rychleski said. “But when the kids are thinking about fake punts, they’re not doing what they’re supposed to. They’re paid to cover kicks, cover punts and that’s where it’s won or lost.”

Rychleski takes over for Fred Chatham, let go after two seasons.

Spurrier said he didn’t know much about VanGorder or Rychleski before the Gamecocks search for assistants began. A few weeks later: “I really believe that Brian and Ray are the best guys I could’ve hired.”

College Sports

Search Results

Discussion

Site Map

Contact Us