Nov. 6, 2008

Former University of South Carolina head football coach and athletics director Paul Dietzel will be returning to Columbia this weekend.

Dietzel, who coached the Gamecocks from 1966-1974, has a new book out entitled “Call Me Coach: A Life in College Football.” He will have a public book signing at the office of KeenanSuggs Insurance, located at 700 Huger Street, Suite 100, beginning at 3:30 p.m. on Friday.

At 5:30 p.m., Dietzel will move to the Champions Club at Williams-Brice Stadium, where there is a private reception and book signing.

On Saturday, Dietzel will serve as an Honorary Captain for South Carolina’s 1 p.m. Homecoming game against Arkansas. He will take part in the coin toss prior to the game. All former players and “Black Hats” will have an opportunity to visit with Coach Dietzel during the day.

Dietzel is the second longest-tenured coach in Carolina history, posting a 42-53-1 record over his nine seasons. Only Rex Enright coached in more games at the University. Dietzel remains the only coach in school history to lead his team to a conference title, as the 1969 Gamecocks logged a perfect 6-0 mark to capture the ACC crown.

The book comes out on the 50th anniversary of Dietzel leading LSU to the 1958 National Championship.