Steve Spurrier just opened a whole can of worms when he goes on the road.
In case you missed it, this week the Ol Ball Coach called a last minute press conference to speak on reports that he is `past his prime` and that the South Carolina program is on the `decline` because of it. Spurrier was fired up and you can tell that he really hates his local paper writing such about him.
I have a gut feeling he will regret making that call to have the impromptu press conference. When the Gamecocks travel to stadiums around the country, one of which I am very familiar with, I can hear the students blow out the `you`re an old man` or `grandpa Spurrier`.
On top of that, I can`t imagine that will help with his future of recruiting. As a matter of fact, I have a feeling that is where a lot of this is coming from. Since the days of Rivals, 247sports and other recruiting sites blossomed, they have made the game that much larger. Coaches and fan bases are doing what it takes to get that extra benefit with the five stars.
What is crazy to me, even to this day I still see Spurrier as a Florida Gator. It is hard for me to shake that image of him in the swamp. I don`t know if it`s the fact that he played there or the fact that he owned Georgia almost every single year he coached. Interesting enough, Spurrier coached Florida from 1990 until 2001, 11 seasons. This season will make his 10th at South Carolina.
When you look at tenure in the SEC, it`s crazy to think that Georgia`s Mark Richt will begin his 14th season in a just a few short weeks. Next up is Spurrier at 10 years, followed by Les Miles at LSU with 10, Nick Saban at Alabama with 8 and Dan Mullen with 6 at Mississippi State. I did not county Gary Pinkel at Missouri , who despite having 14 years with the Tigers, just moved to the SEC just a few years ago.
Trivia question. Who is the longest tenured college football coach currently? That answer would be Virginia Tech`s Frank Beamer at 29 seasons. Next up with 17 seasons is Bob Stoops with the Oklahoma Sooners.
I think this just shows you the grind of the Southeastern Conference. I don`t think I`ve ever heard a soul talk about how Frank Beamer needs to go. However, after a .500 season at Carolina, one of the greatest (that pains me to say) coaches of all-time is on the hot seat for being `old`.
I guess you can tell what sport has been on my mind. We are 6 weeks away to kickoff folks!
Don`t forget my August columns and a preview of the upcoming season. I will offer my picks, predictions and so much more!
Until next week, follow me on Twitter @TheTonyPotts
Tony Potts