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South Carolina

Former Gamecocks assistant coach Brad Lawing passes away

On3 imageby: Chris Clark06/15/23GCChrisClark
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Photo: GamecockCentral.com

Brad Lawing, a former longtime assistant coach with the South Carolina Gamecocks football program, has died.

“My brother-in-law, Brad Lawing, passed away this morning,” Wayne Parris said on Twitter on Thursday morning. “He sure loved all of his family, friends, players and his coaching family. Please pray for our family.”

Lawing was a legendary coach among the South Carolina fan base. He had two different stints with the program, first serving from 1989-1998. He returned under Steve Spurrier, where he was with the school once again from 2006 until 2012.

“So sorry to hear this awful news,” said USC head coach Shane Beamer on Twitter. “Coach Lawing loved Gamecock football. Please keep his family in your prayers.”

Lawing’s coached three future NFL players during his initial tenure in Columbia: Gerald Dixon, Corey Miller, and Henry Taylor. He also recruited unheralded high school prospect John Abraham to Columbia, a player who ended up as a five-time NFL Pro Bowler.

After spending time on staff with Nick Saban at Michigan State and Mack Brown at UNC, Lawing returned to Columbia, where he made an immediate and significant impact on the Gamecocks’ defensive line.

He spoke of “changing the DNA” of the defensive line and did just that with his work on the recruiting trail and on-field development. Lawing played instrumental roles in recruiting Cliff Matthews, Travian Robertson, Devin Taylor, Melvin Ingram, Jadeveon Clowney, and others.

Under his leadership, USC was able to break the school record for quarterback sacks during the 2012 season with 43. Clowney tallied 13 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss that season and would go on to become the number one pick in the NFL Draft later in his career.

“Very saddened to hear the news of Brad Lawing passing away,” said former Gamecocks quarterback Erik Kimrey. “Coach Lawing was a legend in the coaching profession. He could tell old ball stories with the best of them. Brad was one of the best and most beloved Gamecock assistant coaches of all time. Praying for his family.”

From 2008 until 2012, the Gamecocks finished in the top 15 in total defense, reached a bowl each year, and went 11-2 each of Lawing’s final two years in Columbia.

Lawing would later work at the University of Florida, Florida State, and for a brief period at Georgia State.

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