South Carolina football: Will Muschamp era over at South Carolina

South Carolina football has fired Will Muschamp.

Late Sunday night, reports began to surface of Will Muschamp being let go by the South Carolina football program. The news came just a day after the Gamecocks’ third straight loss, a 59-42 defeat at the hands of Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss. Here is a statement from South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner.

"“After a thorough assessment of our football program, we have decided to make a change with the head football coach. I appreciate all that Will Muschamp has done for our program and wish him and his family the best moving forward. I believe our program will be well served by Coach Bobo as the interim head coach as we search for a new leader for Gamecock Football.”"

The firing comes as no surprise to those around the university, as the heat on Muschamp’s seat had been rising over the last month. The Gamecocks have lost three consecutive matchups to SEC West opponents, being outscored by a score of 159 to 69. The defense, Muschamp’s supposed area of expertise, has allowed an average of 593 yards and 53 points a contest in that three-game stretch.

Ole Miss’s 708 yard output, including a program worst 513 passing yards allowed to Rebel quarterback Matt Corral, was the tipping point. With the downward trajectory of the football team, it was time for a change at the helm.

University President Bob Caslen commented on the firing Sunday.

"“I appreciate everything Coach Muschamp has done for our University. He is a true professional and strong advocate for our student-athletes. Under his leadership, our football players excelled in the classroom and served as mentors in the community. Will also brought much-needed stability to the program. However, I believe it is time to move in a different direction.”"

Over four and a half seasons in Columbia, Muschamp posted a record of 28-30, including a mark of 17-22 in Southeastern Conference play. He actually recorded the most wins by any coach over his first three seasons (22), even more than legendary head coach Steve Spurrier, and led the Gamecocks to an Outback Bowl win and second place finish in the SEC East in 2017.

Unfortunately, Muschamp was unable to build upon those first three seasons, going 6-13 over his last 19 games. The head coach was 0-4 against Clemson, never coming within three touchdowns of the Tigers. He was also just 8-14 against SEC East members not named Vanderbilt, winless against yearly cross-divisional foe Texas A&M, and 1-6 against the ACC.

With Muschamp out, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo will take over as interim head coach for the Gamecocks’ final three games. Bobo is fresh off of a five-year head coaching stint at Colorado State. South Carolina will begin its search for immediately.