South Carolina has been busy looking for a new offensive line coach to replace Shawn Elliott, who took the vacant head coaching slot at Georgia State a few weeks ago. They have found their man in a very familiar face.
As first reported by FootballScoop.com, Eric Wolford has joined Will Muschamp’s staff as the Gamecocks’ OL coach. The school announced the hiring in a release shortly after noon on Monday.
“My family and I are excited about our return to the University of South Carolina,” said Wolford. “It is a privilege to be a part of the Gamecock family again. With such supportive, loyal fans and Coach Muschamp’s guidance, I am confident that this program, is moving in an explosive and positive direction. We are honored to be a part of the Gamecock family.”
Wolford coached the Gamecocks’ offensive line in 2009 after holding the same spot at Illinois for two seasons. He was instrumental in the career of Rashard Mendenhall while with the Illini; Mendenhall won Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2007 after rushing for 1,681 yards and 17 touchdowns. Before that, he was at Arizona from 2004-2006, where the Wildcats gave up the (then) Pac-10’s least sacks in 2004 and 2005. At South Carolina, he recruited current Jacksonville Jaguars offensive guard A.J. Cann, who was named a first-team All-American as a senior in college.
After a year in Columbia, Wolford was hired as Youngstown State’s head coach, but was fired in 2014 and was replaced by Bo Pelini - who led the Penguins to a FCS national championship game appearance against James Madison on Saturday. Wolford also served as the 49ers’ assistant offensive line coach for the past two seasons.