College Sports

Will Muschamp completes first South Carolina coaching staff with Mike Peterson

Indianapolis Colts second round draft pick Mike Peterson, a linebacker from the University of Florida, is given his team jersey by Colts president Bill Polian at the team headquarters in Indianapolis Sunday, April 18, 1999. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts second round draft pick Mike Peterson, a linebacker from the University of Florida, is given his team jersey by Colts president Bill Polian at the team headquarters in Indianapolis Sunday, April 18, 1999. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) AP

Former University of Florida and NFL linebacker Mike Peterson is the final piece of Will Muschamp’s coaching staff at South Carolina.

Peterson was announced Tuesday morning as the Gamecocks’ ninth on-field assistant. He will coach outside linebackers, according to the school.

“Mike’s another great example for our student-athletes at the University of South Carolina for what he’s accomplished,” Muschamp said in a statement. “He played at a high level and demonstrated great character and class throughout the time that we worked together at Florida. His vast NFL experience and knowledge of our schemes will complement our staff.”

Peterson, who was working as an off-field assistant with the Gators, played for Steve Spurrier on Florida’s 1996 national championship season and was the 36th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. He had a 14-year NFL career that included stops in Indianapolis, Jacksonville and Atlanta.

Muschamp introduced his other eight, on-field assistant coaches on Jan. 8, saying he expected to make his final hire shortly after, but emphasizing he would not rush the decision. Peterson will join Bobby Bentley (running backs), Shawn Elliott (offensive line), Coleman Hutzler (outside linebackers, special teams coordinator), Bryan McClendon (wide receivers, offensive co-coordinator), Travaris Robinson (defensive coordinator), Kurt Roper (quarterbacks, offensive co-coordinator), Lance Thompson (defensive line, assistant head coach for defense) and Pat Washington (tight ends).

South Carolina’s 2016 Football Coach Staff:

Will Muschamp, Head Coach

Bobby Bentley, Running Backs

Shawn Elliott, Offensive Line

Coleman Hutzler, Special Teams Coordinator/Linebackers

Bryan McClendon, Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers

Mike Peterson, Outside Linebackers

Travaris Robinson, Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs

Kurt Roper, Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks

Lance Thompson, Assistant Head Coach – Defense/Defensive Line

Pat Washington, Tight Ends

This story was originally published January 26, 2016 at 2:20 PM with the headline "Will Muschamp completes first South Carolina coaching staff with Mike Peterson."

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