Johnson to Southern Miss:
As many have heard by now, Johnson has been formally introduced as the head coach at Southern Miss. South Carolina confirmed that he was at Monday’s 10:15 a.m. practice, but was absent from the afternoon practice as he had flown to Hattiesburg, Miss. for a second interview with the Golden Eagles.
Several media outlets reported Monday evening that the job had been offered to Johnson and he had accepted. At USM’s press conference on Tuesday to introduce Johnson, he indicated that he would not coach USC in the bowl game, though Spurrier had said on Sunday that he would coach the team whether he accepted the position or not.
Spurrier said that defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward would coach the defense in the Capital One Bowl, and he doesn’t expect Johnson’s departure to be a handicap for the squad in preparation for the bowl game.
"We congratulate coach Ellis Johnson getting the head coaching job at Southern Miss," said coach Steve Spurrier following Tuesday’s practice session. "We're happy that people out there consider our coaches good coaches and qualified to be a head coach. We appreciate everything Ellis and his family have done here for Carolina and we wish him the best out there."
Spurrier said they would likely not hire anyone until after the Capital One Bowl, but said he has had lots of interest. Josh Kendall of The State reported that Mike Stoops, former Arizona head coach, and Vic Koenning, interim head coach of Illinois, would be interested in the position. Spurrier declined comment on if Stoops was interested in the position.
“I’ve got several guys in mind,” Spurrier said. “Certainly, coach Ward will be strongly considered, as well as several others. It’s sort of interesting how many people are calling. I don’t know 10 or 20 years ago how many people wanted to coach at South Carolina, but there’s a bunch out there now who seem to want to coach here.”
The job hasn’t been posted on South Carolina’s employment opportunities page, though there is a listing for a head men’s and women’s soccer coach at USC Sumter, if anyone is interested.
Practice Report:
Though Johnson has controlled the headlines for the past several days, there’s also been news about the team as they prepare to play Nebraska on Jan. 2.
Spurrier said that tailback Kenny Miles will start the bowl game over Brandon Wilds because Miles had a better game against Clemson. Futhermore, Spurrier said that Wilds had a mild hamstring injury.
Miles, who participated in Senior Day festivities though he has one year of eligibility remaining, was assured by Spurrier that he will have a scholarship next season if he chooses to return.
"We're trying to sign one running back, but if Kenny comes back, that would not be an urgency right now,” Spurrier said. “Kenny's starting the bowl game. He's practicing very well. He probably would start backing up Marcus (Lattimore next season) if everything goes according to plan of course, but he's a good player to have around certainly."
Miles said he wants to discuss his plan for next year with his family before he reaches a final decision.
On the injury front, Alshon Jeffery (hand) , Kelcy Quarles (knee), D.J. Swearinger (foot), C.C. Whitlock (knee), and Terrence Campbell (leg) are all still being held out of practice, though they should still be OK for the bowl game.
Reports out of Nebraska:
Nebraska coach Bo Pelini told the media that he will make a decision if senior center Mike Caputo plays in the bowl game in a couple of days. Caputo was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence on Dec. 11.
Pelini also said that defensive end Eric Martin will play in the bowl game, but will be disciplined internally for his hit-and-run in a Wal-Mart parking lot.
