Kirby Smart Is The USC Frontrunner

For those hoping to see Houston head coach Tom Herman patrolling South Carolina’s sidelines next season, I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Nov 25, 2015 01:50 PM EST Kirby Sensible is reportedly the “frontrunner” to take over the SC football program.

Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart is the front runner for the vacant SC job, according to a report.

Now, another report has surfaced from Yahoo!’s Pat Forde indicating Herman has completely withdrawn his name from consideration at SC. Smart has rebuffed other head-coaching opportunities to stay with Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa since 2007. Smart has been mentioned for multiple head coaching jobs this year as he leads one of the nation’s top defenses.

However, Smart also is a Georgia graduate, and if embattled coach Mark Richt leaves or is fired, it could create another opening that could attract Smart.

Meanwhile, UH’s board of regents last week approved an offer to raise Herman’s annual salary to $3 million and expressed a desire to negotiate a long-term contract to keep him. The Gamecocks are seeking a replacement for former coach Steve Spurrier, who resigned after six games this season.