Dec. 14, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. – – The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees approved a recommendation by University President Dr. Harris Pastides and Athletics Director Eric Hyman to extend head football coach Steve Spurrier’s contract one year, it was announced on Monday.

“Coach Spurrier is committed to coaching at the University of South Carolina and building our football program by recruiting the top student-athletes,” said Dr. Pastides when the recommendation was made, “and the University is committed to him. It is important for the incoming freshmen to know that Coach Spurrier will be here throughout their collegiate careers. The extension, which will give Coach Spurrier a four-year contract, provides that assurance. We are looking forward to building on the positive momentum and successful recruiting classes that have been delivered under Coach Spurrier’s direction,” added Dr. Pastides.

“The future of Gamecock Football is exceptionally bright,” said Hyman. “Coach Spurrier has built a solid foundation, created stability and a winning program. As a University and an Athletics Department, we want to recognize the job that Coach Spurrier and his excellent staff are doing at South Carolina.”

The Gamecocks are 35-27 and have been bowl-eligible every year in Coach Spurrier’s five years in Columbia. He will become the first Carolina coach to take his team to four bowl games. His 35 victories ranks sixth on the all-time Carolina coaching list and he is just 11 wins from moving into second place on that list. He is 177-67-2 in his 20 years as a collegiate head coach. Currently eighth on the nation’s top-10 list for wins by an active head coach, Coach Spurrier is one of only four coaches to record 100 or more wins as an SEC coach against SEC competition, joining Hall of Famers Bear Bryant, John Vaught and Vince Dooley.

“I appreciate our administration in believing in what we are doing here at South Carolina,” said Coach Spurrier. “We believe we have some big years coming in the near future. We have the best group of players here now or on the way here next year since I’ve been at Carolina and our staff is looking forward to coaching them over the next four years,” added the Head Ball Coach.

Coach Spurrier’s success at Carolina also extends to the classroom. The football team posted its highest combined grade point average on record in the Spring 2009 semester and placed 24 student-athletes on the 2008 SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll.

Coach Spurrier originally signed a seven-year contact lasting through the 2011 season. He is now under contract through 2013.