ATLANTA — The unexpected news broke Thursday morning that Georgia State head coach Shawn Elliott is departing for a job at South Carolina. Now what for the Panthers?
The location itself is not surprising -- Elliott previously held multiple coaching roles for the Gamecocks before he began leading Georgia State in 2017.
In his seven seasons with the Panthers, Elliott compiled a 41-44 record and helped the program reach five bowl games, going 4-1 in the postseason.
11Alive has learned some of what will happen next for the GSU program, and the Panthers athletic department put out statements on the move.
What happens next for Georgia State after coach Shawn Elliott departs
- Spring football practices have been paused and the Spring Game has been postponed: This will be the case until the team appoints an interim coach.
- A firm has already been retained to help the search for a new head coach: GSU Athletic Director Charlie Cobb said the school had retained Parker Executive Search "to assist in the process" and that they are "exited about the future."
Shawn Elliott 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 men do just that. I will always be grateful that I was allowed to be a small part of the journey."
GSU AD Charlie Cobb statement
"We want to thank Shawn Elliott for his hard work and dedication the last seven years to build this football program. I know this was a difficult decision for him, but I understand his personal reasons, and we wish the best for Shawn and his family.
"We are proud of what this football program has accomplished in such a short time. Six bowl games and four bowl victories in our first 10 years at the FBS level - I don't know of another start-up program that has had that kind of success so quickly.
"I am confident that we will hire an outstanding football coach who will take Georgia State football to even greater heights. We plan to move quickly, and we have retained Parker Executive Search to assist in the process. We’re excited about the future.”