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Will Muschamp was introduced as the new head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks today. Here are some highlights from his press conference.
Harris Pastides and Ray Tanner opened up the press conferences and, as usual with these things, some corny jokes ensued (along with him praising both of our undefeated basketball teams which is pretty cool tbh).
Harris Pastides: "welcome to a new era of South Carolina Gamecock football"
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
Pastides: "We remain the only D1 university with undefeated men's and women's basketball teams"
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
Pastides: "Muschamp is spelled with USCChamp"
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
Ray Tanner on Muschamp's work ethic and his meeting last night with the players.
Tanner: "and as we boarded the plane, he (Muschamp) began to work."
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
Also says Muschamp had the offensive guys excited during the team meeting last night
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
Tanner: "his passion is second to none." Also notes how Muschamp worked well past 10 PM last night.
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
Muschamp on his expectations for South Carolina football:
Mentions how Spurrier raised the bar here at USC. Wants to continue to raise the bar.
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
WM mentions that he embraces the challenge to bring championships to South Carolina
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
Muschamp asked the team to bring 3 things: 1) great energy 2) great effort 3) positive attitude
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
On recruiting, kind of insulting Georgia, and pulling even with Clemson perspective wise:
Muschamp: "We need to start winning the state back in recruiting."
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
He's already insulting UGA and I love him https://t.co/q92L2vKK6h
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
On if there are any plans to pull even with Clemson in terms of perspective: "we're going to worry about USC." *gives reporter cold stare*
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
"Do you know where I got my undergrad degree? I'm not smart enough to answer the question." https://t.co/XVygggKeQq
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
On his current players at South Carolina, his involvement in the defense, and new offensive philosophy:
Muschamp mentions how there needs to be a great blend at a university for a student athlete to succeed. Sees that blend here at USC.
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
Muschamp on involvement with defense: "you need to play to your strengths as a coach...I'll also be the recruiting coordinator.
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
Muschamp says he plans on implementing some Malzahn like philosophies on offense
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
Muschamp does seem to be genuine in wanting to go faster on offense based on this, what he told team last night.
— Chris Clark (@GCChrisClark) December 7, 2015
On his potential staff changes and wanting to be here:
Muschamp on staff: "if they can't recruit they won't coach here."
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
Muschamp says other schools reached out to him about an HC job this offseason. Didn't pursue them. Stresses how much he wanted to be here.
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
And Ray Tanner closed it out with a pretty emphatic statement:
Tanner on Muschamp: "I would say we got our man, we got a Gamecock. Buckle up your seat belts and get on board."
— Garnet & BOOM Attack (@GABAttack) December 7, 2015
Ray said this after the press conference but it's worth mentioning. It's also believable because Rich Rodriguez has a history of not telling the truth:
Ray Tanner says the tweet from Arizona's AD that Rich Rodriguez got an offer from South Carolina is "inaccurate."
— Matt Connolly (@MattatTheState) December 7, 2015
The Coach Muschamp era has begun.