Steve Spurrier is a true legend of the South – let’s get that straight right off the bat. The man is without question the Ric Flair of the Southeastern Conference. He is a walking well of charisma, a six-time SEC Champion, seven-time SEC Coach of the Year, and a National Champion in 1996 while serving as head coach of the Florida Gators.
WOOO!
He won the Heisman Trophy in 1966 as a quarterback at Florida. So, if you factor in his achievements both on the field and on the sideline, Spurrier has earned a spot on the SEC incarnate of Mount Rushmore. Hell, the Ol’ Ball Coach could make a convincing argument as the second greatest coach in the history of the league, behind only Bear Bryant.
He successfully raised three programs to prominence (Duke, Florida, South Carolina). Many forget that Florida was not the powerhouse it is today before he took the reins in 1990. Likewise, South Carolina boasted its’ most successful years in program history under Spurrier, winning 11 games for three straight seasons from 2011-13.
Sure, that’s a pedigree of greatness, but it’s not just the accolades that make Spurrier such a legend. It’s the moxie. He played and coached the game of football with such a brash style that it made the game feel fun and enjoyable.
Who could ever forget the shade he threw at his rivals? Insinuating Auburn’s library was full of coloring books, saying Peyton Manning returned for his senior season to star in the Citrus Bowl (as opposed to the Sugar Bowl where the SEC champs are usually featured), and of course voicing his pleasure in playing Georgia early because they usually have a good player or two suspended early in the season.
Lest we forget, at 70 years old, the man is still working out relentlessly and posting shirtless photos all over the internet. For all of this, we’re willing to forget 2002-03 (winks and nods).
Few people in life come even remotely close to realizing their dreams. Not only did OBC realize his dreams, he etched out a spot in the grand mythology of college football.
While Dabo Swinney may be resting a little more peacefully today, the rest of the world is celebrating a man who made an amazing impact on college football.
The man, the myth, the legend that is Steve Spurrier is going to be greatly missed by SEC fans. It’s been a pleasure to follow his career for what essentially amounts to the entirety of my life. He is truly an icon in the sport we all love so dearly, and we’re all collectively tipping the visor today.
Until next time, folks, just remember: “You can’t spell Citrus without the U-T!”
Stoney Keeley is the editor of the SoBros Network, Tennessee Titans Featured Analyst for Pro Football Spot, and covers the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley,@PFSpot, @WrestlingNewsCo
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