It appears Gerald Harrison will be coaching at S.C. State this season after all.
S.C. State coach Buddy Pough said in e-mail Thursday through a school spokesperson he and school officials have reached an agreement in principal to bring Harrison, a defensive line coach, back this season.
Pough said the details would be worked out next week after a meeting with S.C. State president George Cooper and Athletics Director Charlene Johnson.
S.C. State opens up football practice Thursday.
The agreement was originally reported by the Times and Democrat.
An e-mail sent to Harrison wasn’t returned Thursday.
Harrison, who coached at Darlington, was one of 12 people in the athletic office that were scheduled to be laid off. becuase of budget cuts. Harrison’s last day of work was to be today.
But Pough and his attorney, Joseph R. Lefft clamied the termination was a breach of contract and sent a letter to S.C. State.
According to the The Times and Democrat, the letter claimed Pough had sole authority to determine the composition of his staff throughout the term of his existing agreement with the university. Also, his contract entitles him to the maximum number of coaches allowable under the NCAA constitution and bylaws.
Cooper didn’t comment on the matter following a meeting with the board of trustees Wednsday.
“As I indicated earlier this week ... we are seeking our own opinion in order to respond,” Cooper told the Times and Democrat. “When I have an opinion, I will let you know. At this particular point, I acknowledge receipt of the letter. I indicate that we are reviewing the letter from coach Pough’s attorney and when I render an opinion, the public will know.”
Harrison was one of the team’s top recruiters and was responsible for recruiting in the Pee Dee. Fourteen players from the Pee Dee were on the S.C. State roster at the beginning of last year, largely because of Harrison’s influence.
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