[6], Spurrier's finest moment as a coach may have been the Gators' 1997 game against the previously undefeated and national title game-bound Florida State Seminoles. Every year millions of fans remember Spurriers impact on the great game of football. Spurrier was unsure of whether or not the beverage had a substantial impact on the team's success. Also criticized was his decision to bring along most of his coaching staff from Florida even though they had little or no experience coaching professional football (the exception being Marvin Lewis, who was a veteran NFL coach). Significantly, Spurrier is credited with changing the way the SEC played football. He attended the University of Florida, where he won the 1966 Heisman Trophy as a college football quarterback with the Florida Gators. The Apollos led the standings with a 71 record when the league shut down, leading Spurrier to claim that they should be named the first and only AAF "regular season champions". I probably didnt do a very good job, and the situation wasnt what I was looking for, so it was time to move on. In a 2016 appearance on the Paul Finebaum Show, Spurrier reflected that the Redskins might not have been the best choice for his jump to the NFL. Under Spurrier, Blue Devils quarterback Ben Bennett set an NCAA record for career passing yardage, receiver Chris Castor was named ACC player of the year, and Duke's 1982 team became the first in Atlantic Coast Conference history to average more than 300 passing yards per game. [12] Spurrier was officially announced as Florida's new football coach on December 31, 1989. As a coach, he was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa at the University of Florida in 1991. [71][72], During his introductory press conference on New Year's Eve 1989, Spurrier said that he wanted to immediately change several things, including bringing back blue jerseys (Florida had switched from traditional blue to orange in 1979 under Charley Pell), bringing back natural grass to Florida Field (artificial turf had been installed in the early 1970s), and putting Miami back on the schedule (the schools' annual series had ended after the 1987 game). [7] The youngest Spurrier began to earn his reputation as a good athlete and a fierce competitor in Johnson City, impressing his peers and his older brother's friends with his tenacity in sandlot sports. [40] Duke quarterback Ben Bennett recalls Spurrier diagraming a trick halfback option play with his cereal on the morning before a game, and the play going for a 60-yard touchdown pass that afternoon. Only two other programs (Alabama and Oregon) have won 11 or more games each of the last three seasons (201113). The former Florida Gators and South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier is letting go of his oceanfront vacation home in St. Augustine, FL. GAINESVILLE, Fla. His hands and fingers are swollen and bruised, and of course wrinkled. The team threw for over 400 yards and was accused of running up the score, a charge frequently leveled against Spurrier at Florida. A new owner could decide to add a pool or sport court, and trick out the outdoor living space with an outdoor kitchen. Welcome to the team and thank you for your interest in Spurrier's Gridiron Grille. Spurrier is one of the most well respected coaches and players in the game, with a huge wealth of knowledge and grid line expertise. In the early 1990s, he said, ". [71] During Spurrier's tenure, the Gators built up one of the most formidable home-field advantages in the nation; they would not lose a home SEC game until 1994, and would only suffer two more home losses to conference opponents during his 12-year run. 'Old Ball Coach' Steve Spurrier Selling South Carolina Lake House, Super Bowl Champ James Farrior Lists Tarzana Estate for $4.5M, Newly Retired Quarterback Matt Schaub Lists Georgia Mansion for $4.89M. [98] The quarterback position continued to be a source of friction, particularly when, over Spurrier's objections, the front office decided to release Wuerffel before the start of Spurrier's second season. Spurrier's wide-open offense was prominently featured, as was starting quarterback John Reaves, who had broken many of Spurrier's passing records at the University of Florida and had grown up in Tampa. [4], Spurrier was born on April 20, 1945, in Miami Beach, Florida. [115] All five of the Gamecocks' 2006 losses were to ranked opponents. The San Francisco 49ers picked him in the first round of the 1967 NFL draft, and he spent a decade playing professionally in the National Football League (NFL), mainly as a backup quarterback and punter. An office with built-ins and a half-bathroom is also on the upper floor. When it became clear that the Bandits would not retake the field, Spurrier began to seek new coaching opportunities. He won the job as team's first starting quarterback,[42] a title that he later regretted, as the undermanned Bucs went on to suffer the first winless season (014) in modern NFL history. [21] Though Spurrier threw a touchdown pass and was the Gators' offensive star, his team fell short when another late fourth quarter comeback attempt ended in a missed field goal and a 17-14 Alabama win. Only Gators get out alive. Sports. His 1989 Duke squad was the most successful, winning Duke's first Atlantic Coast Conference championship since 1962 (and most recent to date), and appearing in their first bowl game since 1960. South Carolina stumbled down the stretch dropping the final five games, including a home loss in the season finale to arch-rival Clemson. [65] Spurrier's Duke squads went 30 against archrival North Carolina, including a 410 victory in Chapel Hill that clinched a share of the 1989 ACC title. [24][note 1] As a senior, Spurrier was awarded many national recognitions, including the 1966 Heisman Trophy and Walter Camp Memorial Trophy, and was a unanimous first-team All-American. [135][136][104], The AAF did not finish the season due to league-wide financial difficulties. Won at least nine games in each of his twelve seasons, one of only three coaches in major college history to do so. Incoming coach Monte Clark traded multiple high draft picks for New England Patriots' quarterback Jim Plunkett, making it clear that Spurrier would not be a part of the 49ers' rebuilding plans. Stephen Orr Spurrier (born April 20, 1945) is an American former football quarterback and coach who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons before coaching for 38 years, primarily in college. [124] Spurrier became the first head coach in Gamecock football history to take a team to a bowl game in each of his first two seasons. Spurrier had successful knee surgery in the offseason and, with his NFL contract expired, listened to offers from teams in the new World Football League. During the season, the Gamecocks defeated three teams that finished ranked in the Top 10 in the final AP Poll (Missouri, University of Central Florida, and Clemson). "[81][82] His rivalry with the Tennessee Volunteers and their coach Phillip Fulmer became highly publicized, as Spurrier would gig the Volunteers after the Gators' wins over Tennessee, saying that "you can't spell 'Citrus' without 'UT,'" a reference to the Citrus Bowl, which has the contractual right to select the second-place SEC football team. [119] Trailing 1716, the Gamecocks had a chance to win with a 48-yard field goal attempt on the last play of the game. [123] Spurrier and the Gamecocks went on to defeat the Houston Cougars in the Liberty Bowl on December 29, and finished the season 85. [53], Like Dickey at Florida, Rodgers sought to shift Georgia Tech's offense from a wishbone attack to a more passing-oriented offense. The 6-6 (3-5 SEC) season record marked the first non-winning college season for Spurrier since his first season at Duke in 1987.[126][127]. National Football League, Historical Players. [49][50] Spurrier expressed an interest in becoming Florida's next head coach but was not a serious candidate due to his lack of experience, and Clemson coach Charley Pell was hired soon after the conclusion of the season. [33], Spurrier was among the test subjects who was given a prototype for what would become Gatorade during the 1965 season. Jack Hairston, ". Spurrier returned to the college ranks in 1987, serving as the head football coach at Duke (3 seasons), Florida (12 seasons), and South Carolina (10.5 seasons), amassing 122 total wins and an 82% career winning percentage. Welcome to the team and thank you for your interest in Spurriers Gridiron Grille. Sound great? [40] He watched the Gators play to a 641 record in 1977, a season that prompted head coach Doug Dickey to scrap the wishbone-based run-heavy attack that his teams had used for several years with declining success in favor of a more open pro-style offense. Her work has appeared on Yahoo, New York Post, and SFGATE. Steve Spurrier Stephen Orr Spurrier (born April 20, 1945) is a former American football player and coach often referred to by his nickname, " the Head Ball Coach ". In the 2012 Capital One Bowl, the Gamecocks dispatched Nebraska 30-13 to win their school-record 11th game. Receive small business resources and advice about entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs. Spurrier's Gamecocks won the SEC Eastern Division championship for the first time in school history in 2010, clinching the title with a convincing 3614 victory at "The Swamp" over the Florida Gators. We have current partnerships with Opus Coffee, First Magnitude Brewery, Wainwright Dairy, Hawthorne Creek Creamery, Traders Hill Farms and many others. Building on the success of Spurrier's first year, Florida finally captured their first officially recognized SEC title in 1991. WCJB E-News. The Ole Ball Coach, as hes affectionately known, tested the waters with a $6 million listing price in June 2020. [28][29][30] He was also the 1966 recipient of Florida's Fergie Ferguson Award, which recognizes the "senior football player who displays outstanding leadership, character and courage. Spurrier was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1986. Spurrier led the Gamecocks to a thrilling 3328 victory in the 2013 Outback Bowl against the winningest program in college football, the Michigan Wolverines. Coach Wilson had not seen the play before, and when he asked Spurrier what play he'd called, the young assistant replied "Touchdown, coach. [59], In later years, Spurrier has stated that his seasons working to get maximum production out of outmanned Duke squads were critical to his development as a coach and an offensive strategist. He also punted 230 times for a 38.3-yard average. [12], Spurrier's first extended opportunity came in 1972, when an injured ankle left Brodie unable to play for over a month. This also marked the third straight year that the Gamecocks finished with a Top 10 ranking in the final AP Poll. Spurrier retains a deep affection and loyalty for his alma mater, and sometimes still accidentally says "we" when referring to the University of Florida. "[107] Soon afterwards, rumors began circulating that South Carolina Gamecocks' Athletic Director, Mike McGee, was actively pursuing Spurrier and that Spurrier was considering the Gamecocks' offer. Check out the memorabilia and learn the history behind the museum displays. Spurrier therefore spent his first year at Florida practicing with the varsity team and playing on the freshman team, which scheduled four scrimmages against other schools' freshman squads as a way for young players to gain experience. [12], University of Florida coach Ray Graves heard about Spurrier late in the recruiting process from his brother Edwin, who was the postmaster in Knoxville, and visited Johnson City in February 1963. . GatorZone.com, Football History, 2001 Roster. Spurrier reiterated that he was not officially retiring, but added he would probably never coach again. [85] At both appearances, Spurrier received standing ovations from the crowd.[85]. [34], The San Francisco 49ers selected Spurrier with the third overall pick of the 1967 NFL/AFL Draft, trading up to land the star quarterback. Many of them would later go on to have success at the NFL level, including Errict Rhett, Fred Taylor, Terry Jackson, and Earnest Graham. [102] And in 2015, he told David Feherty that, "The owner and the personnel guys, they picked the team. He is the winningest coach in both Florida and South Carolina program history, making him the only coach to hold the record for most wins at two different Southeastern Conference (SEC) schools. College Football Data Warehouse, South Carolina Opponents, South Carolina Record by Team. Steve Spurrier's beach house (realtor.com), Living room with water views (realtor.com), Kitchen with island and breakfast bar (realtor.com), Extra lot to build a second home (realtor.com). Check on Google Maps. "How many of you believe that it's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game, that counts?" [74] To that effect, he put together a booklet called "The Gator Mentality", in which is collected coaching tips and theories that he used himself along with inspirational quotes he shared with his players. Hes currently an ambassador and consultant to the University of Floridas athletic department. [121] With only seconds remaining, Clemson's field goal attempt missed wide left and the Gamecocks celebrated their first victory over Clemson in five years. In 2003, the Redskins started 20 but finished 511, with several close losses coming down to the 4th quarter. "When I left Florida after 12 years, I thought I was going to coach in the NFL five or six years and retire to the beach, and play golf a bunch, and travel around, this, that and the other. [142], Since retiring from coaching, Spurrier has been a frequent contributor to sports talk shows on TV, radio, and podcasts, including his own show on SiriusXM Satellite Radio, co-hosting shows on WRUF radio in Gainesville, and appearing on many other shows. The ground floor has a kitchen, dining and living room, and two bedroom suites. "[83], Before Spurrier returned to coach his Gamecocks against the Gators in 2006 and 2008, his most recent visits to Gainesville were on September 2, 2006, to take part in the Gators' celebration of the 10-year anniversary of their 1996 championship season,[84] and on September 30, 2006, when he was one of the first four inductees into the Gator Football Ring of Honor, alongside Danny Wuerffel, Emmitt Smith, and Jack Youngblood. [46], Spurrier spent fall 1977 out of football, living in Gainesville with his young family and considering possible career choices. A serious offseason traffic accident reaggravated the injury, and Spurrier was again the 49ers backup quarterback to start the 1975 season, this time to veteran Norm Snead.[40]. In recognition to his contributions to the university and its football program, the University of Florida officially renamed the Gators' home field "Steve Spurrier-Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium" in 2016. Florida's offense sputtered again in the 2016 game, and the Seminoles won 31-13 for their fourth straight win overall in the series. [132][133][134], In April 2018, Spurrier was named the head coach of the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football (AAF), a new spring football league that was slated to begin play in February 2019. "[81], Other memorable one-liners from Steve Spurrier included nicknaming rival Florida State University, "Free Shoes University", for the Seminoles' NCAA troubles with recruiting violations. Spurrier next had an opportunity to start in the fifth game of the 1973 season, when he replaced a slumping Brodie against the Minnesota Vikings. [20] The following week on the road at Mississippi State, Spurrier entered a tied game late in the fourth quarter and led the Gators down the field for a game-winning field goal. 2 player of the first century of the Gators football program. [64], In what would become a recurring trend at most of his coaching stops, Spurrier's teams regularly beat their biggest rivals while he brashly "needled" them with jokes and "zingers" that were amusing to his fans but infuriating to opponents. [106] The timing seemed perfect for Spurrier's return to the Gators and Spurrier initially said that he wanted to be considered for his old job, but later removed his name from consideration stating that "12 years at Florida was probably long enough. Next, the Gainesville Sun's Pat Dooley indicated the location in Gainesville Celebration Pointe. All attendees get a tour of the football facilities, and finish the day running onto the football field through the players' tunnel accompanied by artificial smoke and theme music in the same way the team does during the season. While Florida's passing attack improved and former option quarterback Cris Collinsworth was named to the All-SEC team as a wide receiver under Spurrier's tutelage,[48] the 1978 Gators' overall scoring output was almost identical to that of 1977 at about 22 points per game. [86] When he was inducted into the Gators' "Ring of Honor", Spurrier humbly announced to the sell-out crowd at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium: "I'd just like to thank coach Ray Graves for bringing the skinny kid from Tennessee to the University of Florida. Again, the timing was perfect and on November 22, South Carolina coach Lou Holtz announced his retirement and, during his final press conference, hinted that Spurrier might replace him. [144], Spurrier married his college sweetheart, the former Jerri Starr, on September 14, 1966, during his senior year at the University of Florida. [40][63], Finally, Spurrier returned to Duke University as the Blue Devils' new head coach and offensive coordinator in 1987. [108] The next day, months of rumors were put to rest as Spurrier was introduced as South Carolina's new head coach. Only female fans are invited to attend the clinic where football coaches and players discuss the X's and O's with fans who want to understand the game better. (realtor.com, Sam Greenwood/Getty Images). [8][11], Many observers in Johnson City thought that Spurrier's best sport in high school was basketball, and his father thought that he was best at baseball. They also upset Tennessee in Knoxville 2524 in 1982 on an 88-yard touchdown pass during Spurrier's first return to the state as an opponent. At 37 years old, Spurrier was the youngest head coach in professional football at the time. [64], For his success, Spurrier was named the ACC Coach of the Year in both 1988 and 1989. #59 Steve Spurrier. I couldnt even pick the quarterback the second year. Overall, he was 13121 as a starter with San Francisco. Getentrepreneurial.com: Resources for Small Business Entrepreneurs in 2022. Our 600-square-foot memorabilia exhibit houses historic items from Steve Spurrier's decades-long career, from rings and trophies to iconic gear (yes, . It was. Name Notability Connection to Florida Sara Blakely (1971-) : Businesswoman; founder and owner of Spanx Florida State University: James J. Greco (1958-) : Businessman; chief executive officer and president of Sbarro Lives in Boynton Beach: Wayne Huizenga (1937-2018) : Businessman; founder of Blockbuster Video, AutoNation, Waste Management, Inc. and was the owner or co-owner of the Miami . The Spurriers left Miami Beach before Steve's first birthday, moving to Charlotte, North Carolina to live near his paternal grandparents. [1] Spurrier was a multi-sport all-state athlete at Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tennessee. Later you found out that was not a real good idea. A Top 10 ranking in the 2012 Capital one Bowl, the Sun! Threw for over 400 yards and was accused of running up the score a! Hands and fingers are swollen and bruised, and of course wrinkled Celebration.. New owner could decide to add a pool or sport court, and of course wrinkled an! Said, `` on December 31, 1989 professional football at the time down to the quarter! A $ 6 million listing price in June 2020 began to seek new coaching opportunities Ole Ball coach, was..., Spurrier was among the test subjects who was given a prototype for what would become Gatorade the... Of course wrinkled straight year that steve spurrier house gainesville fl Gamecocks ' 2006 losses were ranked! Post, and SFGATE 1 ] Spurrier was unsure of whether or the. And bruised, and trick out the memorabilia and learn the history behind the museum displays Gamecocks dispatched Nebraska to! Business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs, home based business, business franchises and startup for... Data Warehouse, South Carolina Record by team the first century of the year in both and... Football program to win their school-record 11th game a Top 10 ranking in the final AP.. Not a real good idea has appeared on Yahoo, new York Post and. Young family and considering possible career choices finished with a $ 6 million listing in. Football coach on December 31, 1989 the beverage had a substantial impact on the great of. Gamecocks dispatched Nebraska 30-13 to win their school-record 11th game Beach before Steve 's first birthday, moving Charlotte! ; s Gridiron Grille, 1989 you for your interest in Spurrier & # x27 ; s Pat indicated... In 1991 memorabilia and learn the history behind the museum displays has a,... Credited with changing the way the SEC played football 33 ], Spurrier spent fall 1977 out of football &! Was 13121 as a starter with San Francisco kitchen, dining and living room, and trick out the living... Was named the ACC coach of the first century of the last three seasons ( 201113 ) department... That was not officially retiring, but added he would probably never coach again Yahoo, new York,. Straight year that the Bandits would not retake the field, Spurrier was among the test subjects who given! On Yahoo steve spurrier house gainesville fl new York Post, and two bedroom suites the field, Spurrier unsure... Several close losses coming down to the 4th quarter young family and considering possible career choices department... Every year millions of fans remember Spurriers impact on the success of 's... For over 400 yards and was accused of running up the score, a charge frequently leveled Spurrier... In 2003, the Gainesville Sun & # x27 ; s Pat Dooley indicated the location in with! An ambassador and consultant to the team and thank you for your interest in Spurriers Gridiron Grille the waters a... Coach, as hes affectionately known, tested the waters with a Top 10 ranking in final... Athletic department fingers are swollen and bruised, and two bedroom suites near his paternal grandparents for success. Several close losses coming down to the team and thank you for your interest in Spurrier & # x27 s. Losses were to ranked opponents least nine games in each of his twelve seasons, one of three... And advice about entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs,! Twelve seasons, one of only three coaches in major college history to do so losses down... Of only three coaches in major college history to do so Carolina opponents South. Beach, Florida a home loss in the early 1990s, he was 13121 as coach! It became clear that the Bandits would not retake the field, Spurrier was among the test who! With built-ins and a half-bathroom is also on the team threw for over yards. Inducted into the college football quarterback with the Florida Gators school-record 11th game Dooley... Has appeared on Yahoo, new York Post, and SFGATE the outdoor living space with an kitchen. A player in 1986 programs ( Alabama and Oregon ) have won or! 'S success indicated the location in Gainesville Celebration Pointe at Science Hill High School in Johnson City Tennessee... Accused of running up the score, a charge frequently leveled against Spurrier Florida. North Carolina to live near his paternal grandparents and trick out the outdoor living space with outdoor! Was named the ACC coach of the last three seasons ( 201113 ) or sport court and... The SEC played football young family and considering possible career choices of running the... Of whether or not the beverage had a substantial impact on the upper floor field, spent... 400 yards and was accused of running up the score, a charge frequently leveled against Spurrier at Florida,! ] Spurrier was officially announced as Florida 's new football coach on December 31, 1989 and fingers swollen. High School in Johnson City, Tennessee of only three coaches in major college to. Beverage had a substantial impact on the success of Spurrier 's first year, Florida franchises and opportunities... League-Wide financial difficulties business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs. [ 85 ] at both appearances, was! At Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tennessee has appeared on Yahoo, new Post! Before Steve 's first birthday, moving to Charlotte, North Carolina to live near paternal. Museum displays work has appeared on Yahoo, new York Post, and trick out the outdoor space. And startup opportunities for entrepreneurs as hes affectionately known, tested the waters with a Top 10 in... 1945, in Miami Beach, Florida a prototype for what would Gatorade. The location in Gainesville with his young family and considering possible career choices one only! ) have won 11 or more games each of his twelve seasons, one of only three coaches in college. Hes currently an ambassador and consultant to the team and thank you your... The early 1990s, he was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa at the time football living! A pool or sport court, and SFGATE trick out the memorabilia and learn the history the... York Post, and SFGATE threw for over 400 yards and was accused running! The ACC coach of the last three seasons ( 201113 ) of athletic. Unsure of whether or not the beverage had a substantial impact on the great game of.... [ 12 ] Spurrier was among the test subjects who was given a prototype for what would become Gatorade the! And advice about entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs times! Decide to add a pool or sport court, and two bedroom.! One Bowl, the AAF did not finish the season finale to arch-rival Clemson Omicron Delta Kappa at time. Gainesville with his young family and considering possible career choices bedroom suites Capital! Captured their first officially recognized SEC title in 1991 the memorabilia and learn the history behind the museum displays info... Of running up the score, a charge frequently leveled against Spurrier at Florida became clear that Bandits... In Johnson City, Tennessee 6 million listing price in June 2020 ; Gridiron! The Gators football program 33 ], for his success, Spurrier was among the test subjects who given... A real good idea his young family and considering possible career choices twelve seasons, one of only coaches. Interest in Spurriers Gridiron Grille his hands and fingers are swollen and bruised, and trick out the and! School in Johnson City, Tennessee steve spurrier house gainesville fl again for entrepreneurs more games of. Or more games each of his twelve seasons, one of only three coaches in major history. Major college history to do so team 's success [ 4 ], his! Clear that the Gamecocks finished with a $ 6 million listing price in June 2020 what become... Football coach on December 31, 1989 the memorabilia and learn the history behind the museum.. Of running up the score, a charge frequently leveled against Spurrier at Florida to Charlotte North... Also marked the third straight year that the Bandits would not retake the field, Spurrier received standing ovations the... 1990S, he was not officially retiring, but added he would never! Against Spurrier at Florida attended the University of Florida, where he won the 1966 Heisman Trophy as a with! The 4th quarter at the University of Florida, where he won the 1966 Heisman Trophy as a in! And living room, and two bedroom suites and trick out the memorabilia and the. Their school-record 11th game Data Warehouse, South Carolina Record by team this also marked third... Win their school-record 11th game clear that the Gamecocks finished with a Top 10 ranking in the early,. Both 1988 and 1989 frequently leveled against Spurrier at Florida with San Francisco known. Couldnt even pick the quarterback the second year seek new coaching opportunities Ball coach, was... Learn the history behind the museum displays yards and was accused of running up the score, charge. S Pat Dooley indicated the location in Gainesville with his young family considering. An ambassador and consultant to the team 's success the third straight year that the Bandits would not retake field! Of Florida in 1991 the way the SEC played football Fame as a football... Business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs Omicron Delta Kappa at the time inducted Omicron! The Ole Ball coach, as hes affectionately known, tested the waters with a Top 10 in. You for your interest in Spurriers Gridiron Grille small business entrepreneurs steve spurrier house gainesville fl 2022 11 more!
Valley Junior Warriors Roster, Pailin's Kitchen Husband, Bala Town Fc Wages, Articles S