Source: Spurrier Makes Offers to Scott, Burns |
CLEMSON - Unable to sway a number of football recruits already committed to Clemson in his direction, new South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier tried a different tactic in recent days.
According to a source speaking on the condition of anonymity, Spurrier has attempted to lure Clemson running backs coach Burton Burns and offensive line coach Brad Scott to his Gamecock staff with multiyear contract offers at raises over their current salaries. Both coaches rejected the offers and will remain at Clemson. "He can't put a dent in (Clemson's) recruiting class," the source said. "So he's trying get the coaches who recruited them. The source said Spurrier offered Scott more money than he was going to pay John Latina, the former Clemson and Ole Miss assistant who joined the Gamecocks' staff when the former Florida coach took over for Lou Holtz. But Latina has since bolted USC to join Charlie Weis' new staff at Notre Dame as the school's offensive line coach. Scott's offer from Spurrier, which came Tuesday, was a multiyear deal according to the source. "Spurrier figured he couldn't beat Brad when Brad was at Florida State," the source said. "So he tried to hire him to help gain a recruiting advantage." Burns had been offered by Spurrier a few days ago, the source said, and appeared ready to jump to the USC staff. But after talking with Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden and securing a raise, Burns decided to stay put. Scott also will receive a raise at Clemson, the source said. Messages left with Scott and Burns have not been returned at this time. Bowden was unavailable for comment.
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