ATLANTA — Georgia State University abruptly halted its spring football practices Thursday after Shawn Elliott became the latest head coach to accept an assistant’s job at another school.
Elliott is headed to South Carolina as tight ends coach for the Southeastern Conference program, pending the expected approval from the university’s board of trustees at a Friday morning meeting.
The Panthers, meanwhile, were scrambling to find a successor after the unexpected loss of the coach who guided the Sun Belt Conference program to five bowl games in his seven-year tenure.
The school was forced to postpone spring practices, which had started on Tuesday, as well as its March 7 spring game at Center Parc Stadium.
“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,” Georgia State athletic director Charlie Cobb said in a statement released Thursday morning. “I am confident that we will hire an outstanding football coach who will take Georgia State football to even greater heights.”