UPDATE: Shawn Elliot confirmed his departure from the Panthers this morning in a statement:
It’s extremely difficult to step away from the Georgia State football program, particularly the players and staff who have gone above and beyond. As hard as this decision is professionally, it’s something that I must do personally. I want to thank Charlie Cobb for giving me this opportunity seven years ago and working tirelessly to collaborate on growing and improving Georgia State football. I am proud of this program’s growth, our accomplishments, and the foundation we laid for future success. I am especially proud of and grateful to all the players who have worked so hard to make this program successful. I know Charlie will hire a tremendous football coach to continue growing the program. With his leadership, GSU football is poised to do great things, and I know these young me to do just that. I will always be grateful that I was allowed to be a small part of the journey.
In response to Elliott’s departure, Georgia State athletic director Charlie Cobb says spring football and the spring game have been postponed. (Originally reported by WANF-TV’s Baillie Burmaster.)
Original post follows…
Georgia State Panthers football coach Shawn Elliot shocked the college football world here and nationally when it was announced he was leaving his head coach position at GSU to become a tight ends coach for South Carolina.
The news, originally reported by 247 Sports, opens up the head coaching position for the Georgia State Panthers. There have been no statements on Elliot’s move from Georgia State or Elliot himself.
The seven-year coach for the Panthers seemed excited to kick off the new season with the team when he was interviewed by the press on Tuesday. He gave no clues that he was considering other employment options.
The team was just starting spring practice, which will now continue as the team looks for a new head coach.
Elliott was hired for the head coach position with the Panthers in 2016. He took the Panthers to five bowls and won four of them, most recently the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl last year. The team finished 7-6 last season.
