Spurrier Speaks about Johnson Departure

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Steve Spurrier spoke on Tuesday night congratulating his assistant head coach Ellis Johnson. Johnson accepted the Southern Mississippi head coaching job on Monday night. He was officially introduced at Southern Miss on Tuesday. Johnson will not coach the Gamecock defense in the Capital One Bowl. Carolina Defensive Coordinator Lorenzo Ward will handle the defensive game plan for the upcoming bowl game. Ward has held that title all season long, but Johnson is credited for designing the Gamecock’s defensive game plan and play calling each week. Carolina finished 2011 ranked 4th in overall defense. Spurrier says he has some people in mind as his next defensive coordinator. Ward is a candidate, but Spurrier would not name anyone else on his wish list. Spurrier also added he has plenty of resumes for the running backs job and defensive job. Running backs coach Jay Graham left to become a Tennessee assistant a few weeks ago.