ESPN suggests Shawn Elliott to East Carolina
News broke Friday morning East Carolina was parting ways with successful head coach Ruffin McNeill. One name that surfaced for his replacement was a familiar one for South Carolina fans.
ESPN’s Joe Schadd suggested Gamecocks interim coach Shawn Elliott along with N.C. State offensive coordinator Matt Canada and Middle Tennessee State coach Rick Stockstill as possibilities to fill the job. Elliott went 1-5 after replacing Steve Spurrier, who resigned in the middle of the season.
Some ECU possible candidates: Matt Canada, Rick Stockstill, Shawn Elliott
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) December 4, 2015Elliott spent 5 1/2 season as offensive line coach and later co-offensive coordinator for the Gamecocks. He was longtime line coach at Appalachian State, where he played in college.
McNeill went 42-34 across six seasons leading the Pirates. His teams won 26 games from 2012-2014 but the team slipped to 5-7 this season. He left with the third-most wins in program history.
One obvious name that popped up was South Carolina candidate Lincoln Riley, the current offensive coordinator at Oklahoma and McNeill’s offensive coordinator for five seasons. But FoxSports’ Bruce Feldman said that was unlikely because of the relationship between Riley and McNeill.
I would be SHOCKED if Lincoln Riley even would answer the phone if #ECU calls him. He and Ruffin McNeill have a great bond.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 4, 2015This story was originally published December 4, 2015 at 12:53 PM with the headline "ESPN suggests Shawn Elliott to East Carolina."