First-year South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp is preparing for a bowl game, but he’s also in the middle of an offensive line coaching search. In the meantime, he’s hired a temporary replacement.

As reported by TheBigSpur.com’s Tony Morrell on Thursday morning, Muschamp confirmed that former Duke offensive line coach John Latina will lead the Gamecocks in the bowl game.

“He’s a guy who I have tremendous respect for in this profession,” Muschamp said. “He’s been out this fall. John’s experience of 37 years is something we’re certainly going to enjoy.”

Latina worked with current South Carolina offensive coordinator Kurt Roper at Duke.

As far as hiring a full-time offensive line coach, Muschamp isn’t in a real big rush.

“I will not hire an offensive line coach until after the first of the year,” Muschamp said. “We want to be sure to do our due diligence to hire the best person for us. There’s no reason to rush into anything.”

The Gamecocks, of course, are looking for an offensive line coach after Shawn Elliott left to take the head coaching job at Georgia State. Elliott served at South Carolina for seven seasons before leaving for the Panthers.

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