Dec. 24, 2003

Columbia, S.C. – Robbie Caldwell, a 27-year coaching veteran who has developed successful offensive line units throughout his coaching career, has been named assistant football coach at the University of South Carolina. Caldwell will coach the Gamecock offensive line.

Caldwell comes to USC after spending two seasons at Vanderbilt University under Bobby Johnson, where he was the Commodores’ assistant head coach and offensive line coach. Prior to his stay at Vanderbilt, Caldwell worked two years at the University of North Carolina, where he tutored the offensive line. Previous to his stint at UNC, Caldwell served 14 years at North Carolina State University (1986-1999), where he handled the offensive line and was also assistant head coach his final two seasons in Raleigh. Caldwell coached 14 NC State linemen who earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference accolades. During his time with the Wolfpack, he also played an instrumental role in developing six of the top 10 total offensive units in NC State history. Caldwell was a part of nine postseason bowl teams at NC State and one bowl team at UNC.

“Robbie Caldwell has earned the reputation of being an outstanding football coach,” said USC head coach Lou Holtz. “Throughout his coaching career, he has displayed the remarkable ability of developing highly productive and consistent offensive linemen. He is going to be a very valuable addition to our program and to the University of South Carolina.”

Caldwell, who calls Pageland, S.C., home, coached the offensive line at Furman from 1978-85, a period during which the Paladins won six Southern Conference championships and played in the NCAA championship game in 1985. Eight of his offensive linemen at Furman were named first-team all-conference and five were awarded the prestigous Jacobs Blocking Trophy.

“We are excited about returning to our home state and joining the University of South Carolina staff,” said Caldwell. “To have the opportunity to coach with someone like Lou Holtz, in my home state, in the best conference in America, is like a dream come true. I’m confident this program can go to the next level under Coach Holtz and I’m looking forward to being a part of that journey.”

Caldwell was a three-year letterman at center for Furman and was named the team’s MVP in 1975. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Furman in 1976. Caldwell coached high school football and baseball at Hanahan (S.C.) in 1977.

Caldwell is married to the former Nora Lynn Lassister and they have a daugher, Emsley.

Terms of Caldwell’s contract were not disclosed and are subject to USC Board of Trustees approval.