Over the weekend, multiple media outlets were reporting that Florida was set to swipe an assistant from South Carolina.
A couple of days later, the swiping is official as the Gators announced that Will Muschamp has hired Brad Lawing to serve as defensive line coach. Lawing will replace Dan Quinn, who left late last week to take over as defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks.
“We are excited to have Brad Lawing join our coaching staff,” said Muschamp. “His track record speaks for itself - his nearly three decades of experience coaching defensive lineman, his familiarity with the SEC and our shared philosophical beliefs make him a perfect fit for our program.”
Lawing has spent 17 of the past 24 seasons as a South Carolina assistant. His first stint lasted 10 seasons (1989-98); his second lasted seven years, returning to Columbia in 2006 during Steve Spurrier‘s second season as head coach of the Gamecocks.
Lawing also spent four seasons at Michigan State between his USC stints, with his first year with the Spartans coming in Nick Saban‘s final year before leaving for LSU.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with Coach Muschamp and the entire Gator coaching staff,” said Lawing. “Coach Muschamp and I share the same philosophical beliefs defensively. I’ve enjoyed the many years I’ve had in South Carolina and I’m grateful for the opportunities Coach Spurrier provided to me.”