Ace recruiter Thompson joining Muschamp’s staff

Auburn linebackers coach Lance Thompson will join Will Muschamp’s coaching staff at South Carolina, as assistant head coach for defense and defensive line coach.

Thompson, a graduate of The Citadel, tweeted, “A new day!!!! … #Go Gamecocks” shortly after 4 p.m., and the school announced it soon after.

That came just before Muschamp tweeted “Spurs Up,” which has become his signature when the Gamecocks receive a verbal commitment or hire a new coach.

“I’m excited to have Coach Thompson join our staff,” Muschamp said in a statement. “He did a great job calling the Auburn defense in their bowl win over Memphis. He has coached multiple positions throughout his career and has a great understanding of our defensive system. He will be an outstanding addition to our staff.”

Thompson was ranked the No. 1 recruiter in the nation on the Ultimate ESPN 300 recruiting power rankings in 2014, when he was coaching at Alabama. He was named Rivals National Recruiter of the Year in 2008.

Thompson’s hiring leaves Muschamp with just one position to fill. Muschamp already has named Bryan McClendon offensive co-coordintor and wide receivers coach, Pat Washington tight ends coach, Shawn Elliott offensive line coach, Bobby Bentley running backs coach, Travaris Robinson defensive co-coordinator and defensive backs coach, Coleman Hutzler linebackers coach and special teams coordinator.

Kurt Roper will be announced as the Gamecocks offensive co-coordinator and quarterbacks coach as soon as his season’s complete with the Cleveland Browns following Sunday.

Thompson was Auburn’s interim defensive coordinator during Tuesday’s 31-10 Birmingham Bowl win over Memphis, which had only 203 yards in the game. He was a candidate to become the Tigers full-time defensive coordinator, but lost out when the Tigers hired LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele Wednesday.

Thompson and Muschamp both coached on Nick Saban’s staff at LSU in 2002-2003. Thompson also has coached at Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia Tech and UCF. Alabama, LSU and Georgia Tech won national titles while Thompson was on the staff.

This story was originally published December 31, 2015 at 4:36 PM.