Will Muschamp says he spoke to the upset mother of the nation's top recruit after she called him a "pure liar" for leaving Auburn to become South Carolina's coach.

Jennifer Coney, the mother of top-ranked recruit Rashan Gary, told 247Sports that Muschamp and Auburn outside linebackers coach Lance Thompson visited her New Jersey home on Nov. 30 and indicated they were planning to be on the Plains for the foreseeable future. When Muschamp left for South Carolina late Saturday, Coney understood the job opportunity but still felt she was lied to.

"He should have been honest," Coney told 247Sports. "He should have said, 'Well, if I get the opportunity.' I would respect that. I would have understood. It's a job for them. But he didn't. Muschamp is a liar. A pure liar."

Muschamp says he called Coney on Monday morning to clear the air.

"At the time, the University of South Carolina had not contacted me," Muschamp, who was first contacted by South Carolina on Dec. 3, told AL.com. "There's two sides to every story and it's a little frustrating that that was said because at the time no one had contacted me about a job that I was interested in and I was interested at being at Auburn and I had full intentions of staying at Auburn University.

"I was perfectly content and very happy working with Gus Malzahn for a long time. Then when somebody calls you about a head job in the SEC, at the University of South Carolina, it certainly will appeal to you. I did call her (Monday) morning and she understood that."

Coney went on to say Auburn coach Gus Malzahn told her on Sunday he was "blindsided" by Muschamp's departure. Muschamp said he immediately told Malzahn of USC's initial contact last week.

"I knew eventually he wanted to be a head coach," Malzahn said on Monday. "Will worked extremely hard did a very good job for us. I'm happy for him. That's what he wanted and I expect him to do well."

Auburn is considered a contender to land a commitment from Gary, a 6-foot-5, 293-pound defensive tackle from New Jersey. Gary and his mother visited Auburn for the Iron Bowl.