The Spurrier play-calling arrangement
Interesting press conference Tuesday.
Steve Spurrier took a lot of questions about his future, the direction of the program, and predictably, the play-calling arrangement.
Spurrier indicated he “probably” would serve as the Gamecocks’ principle play-caller, a responsibility he gave to his son, receivers coach Steve Spurrier Jr., before the 2008 season.
I have little doubt Spurrier will be more involved in the offense. He mentioned being in the huddle when the offense is meeting along the sideline during timeouts, whereas previously he has let quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus run many of those huddles.
But as for the actual play-calling, I have a hunch it’s going to proceed much as it has for the first 10 games – Spurrier Jr. sends the plays from the press box to Mangus, who signals them to QB Stephen Garcia.
Spurrier Sr. overrules occasionally, and offensive line coach Eric Wolford also makes suggestions, particularly on goal-line or short-yardage runs.
Maybe Spurrier will call all of the plays. But looking over the transcript of the press conference, Spurrier qualified nearly all of his play-calling comments with words like “probably” and “may.”
He also pointed out a couple of times that he doesn’t think the offense has played that poorly of late – better, in fact, than in wins against N.C. State and Ole Miss, he said.
Spurrier is the face of the program. He’s ultimately responsible for every offensive call that’s made.
But as a father, the last thing he wants to do is anything that would remotely resemble throwing his son under the bus, a la Lou Holtz with Skip before the 2004 season.
Spurrier never mentioned his son’s name during the 30-minute press conference. He denied an interview request for Spurrier Jr. on Monday.
Where Skip Holtz had a handshake deal to succeed his father at USC, there’s been no talk or even hints at anything like that with the Spurriers. And while Skip was put before the media often during his six seasons in Columbia, Spurrier Jr. has been content to be seen, and not heard.
I think Spurrier felt like he had to say something Tuesday with all the fan unrest about the play-calling. And maybe he can find the right balance of calling enough of the plays to keep fans happy, while allowing his son enough space to continue growing as a play-caller.
Bottom line: If USC can move the ball and score against Florida and/or Clemson, this will all quiet down.
If not, get ready for another round of it. And count on Spurrier to take the blame.
7 Comments to “The Spurrier play-calling arrangement”
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USC football beat writer Joe Person has covered the Gamecocks since the start of the 2002 season. He's been on the college football beat since 1993. 
Spurrier is handling this with class, something Lou Holtz has always lacked. I’m not a big fan of Spurrier Jr. calling the plays, but it could be worse. It could be Scottie Spurrier calling the plays! Yikes!
Joe, you hit the nail on the head when you stated “But as for the actual play-calling, I have a hunch it’s going to proceed much as it has for the first 10 games – Spurrier Jr. sends the plays from the press box to Mangus, who signals them to QB Stephen Garcia.” Nothing really is going to change. After 10 games into the season do fans really expect any major changes? Spurrier is padding Jr’s resume and their is nothing Gamecock fans can do about it. So just sit back and enjoy the annual slide.
[...] the Ol’ Ballcoach will be taking on a greater role in play-calling this weekend.5. Not everyone believes there will be much change in how plays are called.6. Spurrier believes Florida is a more complete team this year than they [...]
Smart move by Spurrier Sr. USC is about to play in front of its biggest TV audience of the season. Senior has changed the story line, taking pressure off his assistants and putting it on himself. If USC can’t move the ball (And why should they be able to against the nation’s best defense?) he will get the blame from the TV guys.
Let’s don’t forget that Skip Holtz was a successful head coach at the 1-AA level before joining Lou’s staff at USC. Spurrier Junior has a much shorter resume. That is another good reason Skip was more available that Junior.
I am glad I watch the press conferences to see what really is said. All the articles that are published with headline news “Spurrier takes over play calling” don’t use the words ‘probably’ and ‘maybe’ that Spurrier uttered and that you show in this blog. It really didn’t come off as any big deal when I watched the press conference and it didn’t appear to be headed for some big change. But now everybody has this huge spin on it.
Seriously, don’t you think the fan reaction to this is blown out of proportion. I still say there is nothing wrong with play selection… just execution. Balls… over and under thrown… drops… penalties… You could argue three fades in a row was over the top… unless of course the execution was there. It was not. I still contend we are lucky to have Steve Spurrier… period!