Georgia State head football coach Shawn Elliott resigned Thursday, forcing the university to halt spring practice and postpone the team’s spring game.
Elliott is leaving to accept the job as tight ends coach at South Carolina.
“This was not a professional move, but a personal move,” Elliott told ESPN. “We’ve made it work for seven years with my family still living in Columbia, and I even thought about not coaching this year. I had promised my daughter that I would be there for her senior year of high school and when this opportunity came up to go back to South Carolina and coach again, it was something I couldn’t pass up. I’ve always loved South Carolina.”
Spring practice started Tuesday to launch what was to be a group of 15 practices for the Panthers. The spring game initially was scheduled for March 7.
Elliott, 50, spent seven seasons with the Panthers, leading them to five bowl games. They beat Utah State 45-22 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl last season.
Just last week, Elliott welcomed 12 new arrivals on National Signing Day, hoping to build upon his team’s 7-6 record in 2023.
He leaves Georgia State with a 41-44 record.
A South Carolina native, Elliott was part of the Gamecocks’ coaching staff from 2010-16 in a variety of roles before departing to accept the Georgia State job.
“We want to thank Shawn Elliott for his hard work and dedication the last seven years to build this football program. I know this was a difficult decision for him, but I understand his personal reasons, and we wish the best for Shawn and his family,” athletic director Charlie Cobb said.
“We are proud of what this football program has accomplished in such a short time. Six bowl games and four bowl victories in our first 10 years at the FBS level — I don’t know of another start-up program that has had that kind of success so quickly.
“I am confident that we will hire an outstanding football coach who will take Georgia State football to even greater heights. We plan to move quickly.”
Cobb did not state when spring practice might resume.
“It’s extremely difficult to step away from the Georgia State football program, particularly the players and staff who have gone above and beyond,” Elliott said. “As hard as this decision is professionally, it’s something that I must do personally.”
