South Carolina hired Georgia State head coach Shawn Elliott as its tight ends coach and run game coordinator, the university announced Friday. Elliott’s contract, which was approved by the board of trustees, covers three seasons and will pay him $750,000 in the first two years and $775,000 in the final season, according to the Post and Courier. The move comes just days after the Panthers began what would have been their eighth spring practice under Elliott.
In a previous statement confirming Elliott’s departure, GSU athletic director Charlie Cobb revealed that spring practice and Georgia State’s spring game have both been postponed as the university searches for a replacement. Mike Sirignano, Georgia State’s head strength coach, will serve as interim coach, according to The Athletic.
“It’s extremely difficult to step away from the Georgia State football program, particularly the players and staff who have gone above and beyond,” Elliott said in a statement. “As hard as this decision is professionally, it’s something that I must do personally. I want to thank Charlie Cobb for giving me this opportunity seven years ago and working tirelessly to collaborate on growing and improving Georgia State football.”
Elliott is a familiar face for the Gamecocks. A native of Camden, South Carolina, he joined former coach Steve Spurrier’s staff in 2010 as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator. He was moved to co-offensive coordinator in 2012, and in 2015 he took over as interim coach after Spurrier resigned midway through the season.
Elliott won his first game against Vanderbilt but lost the last five contests in a row to seal a 3-9 season for the Gamecocks. He was retained on Will Muschamp’s staff as offensive line coach for one season before he was hired by Georgia State in 2017.
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