Update >> South Carolina has now announced the change, and that Mike Bobo will lead the team on an interim basis the rest of the season.
From their release:
"After a thorough assessment of our football program, we have decided to make a change with the head football coach," said athletic director Ray Tanner. "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."
"We will begin a search immediately to find the best head coach for Carolina football," added Tanner. "We have great facilities, a passionate fan base, a University that is committed to excellence in football and a support system that is second to none in developing student-athletes. We will be looking for someone with the energy, commitment and organizational skills that can move our program to a championship level."
South Carolina president Bob Caslen had the following to share on the search:
"Our search for a new head football coach begins today, and I have every confidence that Coach Tanner will find the right person to lead our program," added Caslen. "A vibrant athletics program is integral to the college experience. I know how much football means to our students, faculty, alumni, and donors; I share that passion. Our priority remains winning a championship at the University of South Carolina."
Our original article:
Will Muschamp will not return as South Carolina's head coach, according to multiple reports.
We can confirm the news.
The move comes a day after Muschamp's Gamecocks lost 59-42 to a 2-4 Ole Miss team, dropping South Carolina to 2-5 on the season. Carolina is in the midst of a 3-game losing streak, allowing 53 points per game in the process.
South Carolina went 4-8 in 2019, and is 5-10 in SEC games over the past two seasons.
Hired after one season as Auburn's defensive coordinator and four as Florida's head coach (where the two parties agreed to a $6.3 million buyout over the next four years after his dismissal in November of 2014), Muschamp stands at 28-30 in four-plus seasons in Columbia. His buyout is significant, and in the $13 million range, not including the buyout figures for his staff.
South Carolina has three games remaining on its schedule, beginning with a trip to Missouri on Saturday.
Offensive coordinator, and former Colorado State head coach, Mike Bobo is expected to take over as interim head coach. Muschamp brought Bobo in on a two-year deal worth $1.2 million back in December of 2019.
The move marks the first Power Five head coaching change of the season, joining Group of Five programs Southern Miss (who had Jay Hopson resign after their week 1 game) and Utah State. Keep track of all head coaching movement via this link.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.