Jan. 3, 2010

Appalachian State offensive line coach Shawn Elliott has been named the offensive line coach at the University of South Carolina, head football coach Steve Spurrier announced today. Elliott replaces Eric Wolford, who accepted the head coaching position at Youngstown State University in December.

Elliott, 36, has coached his entire career at Appalachian State, where he helped the Mountaineers to three-straight national championships (2005-07). After earning his bachelor’s degree from App State in 1996, he worked for two seasons as a defensive assistant, then two seasons as the tight ends coach before taking over the offensive line in 2001. Over the past nine seasons as the offensive line coach, Elliott’s players have earned All-America distinction on 12 occasions. From 2005-07, he coached three-consecutive SoCon Jacobs Blocking Trophy recipients.

“We’re thrilled to have Shawn Elliott join our coaching staff at South Carolina,” said Coach Spurrier. “Shawn is a native of South Carolina and is excited about the opportunity to coach here. He has an outstanding record coaching the O-line and winning championships. He is ready for the next challenge and is excited about coaching in the SEC and in Division I football.”

Elliott was the first player in Appalachian State history to appear in the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs four separate seasons. He was a four-year letterwinner for the Black and Gold, helping the squad to two Southern Conference titles. He was a co-captain on the Mountaineer’s 1995 squad that finished 12-1 while earning all-league distinction as a defensive end.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to coach at South Carolina,” said Elliott. “It will be a challenging job and one that I am looking forward to and embracing. I’m excited about getting there on Monday and hitting the ground running.”

Elliott, born June 26, 1973, is married to the former Summer Scruggs, who was ASU’s women’s tennis Most Valuable Player in 1998. They have two children, a daughter, Maddyn, and a son, Max.