Spurrier Speaks About Two-Year Extension

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Steve Spurrier has received a two-year contract extension from South Carolina today. Spurrier is locked in as Gamecock head football coach until 2015. “I appreciate the administration agreeing that the head coach should have four years remaining on his contract to show the recruits and fans that he plans to be here,” said Coach Spurrier. “Our football program is headed in the right direction. We‘ve had some success and have had some good things happen here, but winning the SEC is one goal we have not yet reached. We hope and believe we can do that in the next four years.” The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees executive committee approved the deal this morning. It’s expected the remainder of the board will approve the deal Tuesday afternoon. Spurrier’s salary will remain the same. Spurrier saw an increase in his pay last spring which brought his current 2011 paycheck to $2.8 million. It will increase next season to $2.875,000, and $2,950,000 in 2013. His salary in 2014 and 2015 is expected to be the same as 2013. Coach Spurrier led South Carolina to a 10-2 record this season, including a 6-2 mark in the Southeastern Conference. Carolina can break its single-season record by winning its 11th game in the Capital One Bowl against Nebraska on January 2. The Gamecocks won six SEC games, swept through the Eastern Division unblemished, and have recorded back-to-back nine or more-win seasons, all for the first time in school history. Coach Spurrier is 54-35 in seven seasons guiding the Gamecock program, ranking second on the school‘s all-time wins list behind only Rex Enright (64). The Capital One Bowl will be the school‘s sixth bowl appearance in his seven campaigns. “The accomplishments that have transpired under Coach Spurrier‘s leadership are exemplary,” said Athletics Director Eric Hyman. “He is committed to getting the best out of our student-athletes, both on the football field and in the classroom. He is well-deserving of this extension and we look forward to having him lead our program for several years to come.” Coach Spurrier, who began his tenure at South Carolina prior to the 2005 season, originally signed a seven-year contract that ran through the 2011 season. It was extended for one year in 2006 and again for one year in 2009. * USC Athletics Contributed to this Story