South Carolina Football: Top 3 candidates to replace Will Muschamp

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Oct 17, 2020; Syracuse, NY, USA; Liberty coach Hugh Freeze (middle) in the second half during a game against Syracuse on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Nett/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Hugh Freeze, Liberty HC

Hugh Freeze to South Carolina makes practical sense. He has Power Five and SEC experience from his time at Mississippi.

Freeze’s personality would be a change from Muschamp, and he’s an offensive coach. He has come back into the Power Five conversation because of the Liberty Flames’ success this season.

The Flames are undefeated this season, averaging 40 points per game. Auburn transfer quarterback Malik Willis has gone from forgotten castoff to star almost overnight. He has thrown for 1,645 yards and 15 touchdowns. The dual-threat quarterback also leads the team in rushing with 700 yards and nine touchdowns.

The only question is Freeze’s indiscretions at Ole Miss.

First, there were inappropriate benefits given to players. Those benefits include car loans and cash to players. Former All-American offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil admitted to taking money from one of Freeze’s assistants. In addition to the lack of institutional control, Freeze was found to have made several calls to an escort service. These issues caused the NCAA to levy sanctions against Mississippi and Freeze resigned as a result.

However, if Freeze can prove that those issues are past and can lay out a vision for South Carolina football, the Mississippi-native might be too good a candidate to pass up for the Gamecocks.