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5 candidates for South Carolina football coach if Will Muschamp is fired

By Brad Berreman

COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 02: Head coach Will Muschamp of the South Carolina Gamecocks prior to their game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 2, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 02: Head coach Will Muschamp of the South Carolina Gamecocks prior to their game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 2, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

2. Jim McElwain, Central Michigan head coach

McElwain has taken a Central Michigan squad that was 1-11 in 2018 to bowl eligibility (6-4) with two games to go in his first season. The former Florida head coach was fired in the middle of his third season in Gainesville, but if the Chippewas win two more games he’ll have at least eight wins in five of six full seasons across his time as head coach at Colorado State, Florida and Central Michigan.

Beyond his time at Florida, McElwain was offensive coordinator at Alabama (2008-2011)  before going to Colorado State and wide receivers coach at Michigan in 2017 when he was between head coaching jobs. So he’s got some high-level experience, and Mount Pleasant, Michigan was a soft (and surprising) landing spot to re-establish himself. His buyout ($2 million) would presumably be no issue for South Carolina or any other bigger school that may pursue McElwain.

For South Carolina fans yearning for someone to bring some offensive acumen to the table, McElwain is of note. Central Michigan is 38th in the country in total offense (439.1 yards per game) and 40th in rushing offense (190 yards per game) this season. Level of competition in the MAC has to, of course, be noted, but production is production and the Chippewas have had the pieces of a very good offense this year.

It’s unknown if McElwain wants to stay at Central Michigan for the long haul, or if it’s a stepping stone for him. Leaving after just one year may not be on his radar in either case, but South Carolina should have some interest here.

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