Steve Spurrier, often called “the head ball coach”, announced his resignation as the head coach of USC football on Tuesday, October 13th, 2015. The resignation was very sudden according to the general public and USC football fans in particular. Spurrier had no major health issues or personal issues to cause him to resign. However, this season had a very rough start. Currently the Gamecocks have a record of 2-4 and are the worst team in SEC East. South Carolina has won zero conference games this season. The season had high hopes with a strong returning class and a new defensive coordinator; however, some things just do not turn out the way they are planned. Spurrier told ESPN “Everyone likes to go out a winner. I thought I would, but it didn’t work out”.

Stephen Spurrier or “Steve” was born April 20th, 1945 in Miami Beach, FL. Spurrier was raised in Tennessee by his parents J. Graham and Marjorie Spurrier. Spurrier’s father was a minister, and Steve was taught to be a self-made man. Stephen was a three sport athlete at Science Hill High School in Tennessee. All-American quarterback, all-state basketball player, and all-state baseball player were some of his high school accomplishments. Spurrier later moved on to play football at the University of Florida because of the Gator’s passing style of play. As a clutch quarterback, Spurrier led Florida to some of their best overall seasons. Not only did Steve Spurrier win the Heisman Trophy, he was also was selected as an all-American as well. After his college career ended, Spurrier was selected as a third round draft pick to play for the San Francisco 49’s and was later traded to the Tampa Bay Dolphins. Steve Spurrier had a solid NFL career, and a superior college career. As soon as Spurrier retired from playing, he began coaching. Shortly after retiring from the NFL, Spurrier jumped from one college job to the next. Spurrier’s big break in coaching was in 1989 when the Gators signed Steve as their head coach. During his twelve seasons with Florida, Spurrier won six SEC Championships and one National Championship. Shortly after Spurrier resigned from his position at Florida, he signed with the Washington Redskins. After five mediocre years coaching in the NFL, Steve Spurrier decided it was time for change. In 2005 Spurrier became the University of South Carolina’s new head coach. Since 2005, USC’s football team has remained as one of the top teams in the country except for this current season. Coach Spurrier had great success on and off the field in Columbia; however, Spurrier felt that his era of winning was over and he decided to resign on October 13th, 2015.

When the “head ball coach” told press that he was resigning, everyone was in complete shock. A game-changing coach resigning after 26 seasons of coaching football. Spurrier claimed that he was only resigning and not retiring but, none the less, he left Gamecocks fan in tears. Steve Spurrier had a very good coaching career but has recently fallen apart. What really surprised the sports-world was the fact he resigned midway through the season, leaving USC losing and alone. South Carolina plans to continue this season with the drive they had at the beginning and hope to salvage the rest of the year. The fact that Steve Spurrier has resigned is going to have major effects on the Gamecocks recruiting class and next season’s success. Many high school football players that are committed to USC are considering changing their commitments because of his resignation. Steve Spurrier told press “College football is a game of recruiting. Another reason I need to move on”. Although Spurrier has left many people with a bitter taste in their mouth, he also has left college football a different game. Steve Spurrier changed the style of play one team at a time. He might be gone from college football without a definite return, if any, but he is certainly not forgotten.