South Carolina head football coach Steve Spurrier has announced his retirement according to Thayer Edwards of Sports Illustrated.
Reporters Wes Mitchell and Chris Clark of Gamecock Central confirmed that the 70-year-old coach informed the team Monday night of his plan to retire.
Many have speculated over the last few years that the Head Ball Coach would step down, but the timing of the announcement comes as a surprise to many.
Spurrier has amassed a career record of 228-89-2 since starting out as Duke’s head coach in 1987.
The Gamecocks will announce an interim head coach on Tuesday. The most likely candidates for the temporary position are quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangusand offensive line coach Shawn Elliott.
Following the announcement, four-star outside linebacker P.J. Blue announced he would reopen his commitment and decommit from South Carolina. Three-star wide receiver Kelvin Harmon immediately tweeted that he is solid in his commitment and will be a Gamecock in 2016. Four-star quarterback recruit Brandon McIlwain is also reportedly 100 percent solid with his commitment.
Spurrier led South Carolina to its only three 11-win seasons in school history and will leave with a school-best 86 wins in 135 games with the Gamecocks.
The 2-4 Gamecocks will play Vanderbilt at home this Saturday.