According to reliable sources, Ellis Johnson will be returning to South Carolina as a part of new head coach Will Muschamp's staff. Johnson's exact role has yet to be determined. He could serve in an on the field coaching role or could be behind the scenes. The two are expected to speak again in the near future to iron out the final details.

This will be Johnson’s second stint in Columbia, as he was at South Carolina for four years (2008-11), when he served as the Gamecocks' defensive coordinator while also holding the title of assistant head coach. His defenses were some of the best in school history, and he also landed big time players such as Stephon Gilmore, Jadeveon Clowney and Devonte Holloman on the recruiting trail.

A native of Winnsboro, S.C., and a 1975 graduate of The Citadel with a bachelor's degree in education, Johnson played defensive end for the Bulldogs.