South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier retiring

— -- South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier told his players and coaches Monday night that he is retiring immediately, sources told ESPN.com, and the plan is for somebody else to coach the team the rest of the season.

Spurrier's retirement was first reported by SI.com.

Spurrier, the Gamecocks' all-time winningest coach, also informed South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner of his decision to step down. This came after the Gamecocks lost their fourth straight SEC game on Saturday to LSU.

Spurrier, 70, was close to stepping down at the end of last season after the Gamecocks dipped to 7-6 on the heels of three straight 11-win seasons, but he elected to return. The Gamecocks have lost eight of their last nine SEC games dating to last season.

One possibility to coach out the rest of the season for the Gamecocks is current defensive coordinator Jon Hoke, who's in his first season with the Gamecocks.