Shawn Elliott and Georgia State Issue Statements Following Coach's Resignation

On Thursday, Georgia State head football coach Shawn Elliott resigned his position and will take an assistant coach position at South Carolina.

Georgia State began their spring practices earlier this week. Spring practice and the Panthers' spring game have been postponed to dates TBD.

A statement from Elliott was posted to GeorgiaStateSports.com, the official website of Georgia State Athletics.

"It's extremely difficult to step away from the Georgia State football program, particularly the players and staff who have gone above and beyond," Elliott said in the statement." 

"As hard as this decision is professionally, it's something that I must do personally. I want to thank Charlie Cobb for giving me this opportunity seven years ago and working tirelessly to collaborate on growing and improving Georgia State football. I am proud of this program's growth, our accomplishments and the foundation we laid for future success. I am especially proud of and grateful to all the players who have worked so hard to make this program successful. I know Charlie will hire a tremendous football coach to continue growing the program. With his leadership, GSU football is poised to do great things, and I know these young men will do just that. I will always be grateful that I was allowed to be a small part of the journey."

Georgia State AD Charlie Cobb also issued a statement thanking Elliott and providing some details on the program's way forward. That statement is below.

"We want to thank Shawn Elliott for his hard work and dedication the last seven years to build this football program. I know this was a difficult decision for him, but I understand his personal reasons, and we wish the best for Shawn and his family."

 "We are proud of what this football program has accomplished in such a short time. Six bowl games and four bowl victories in our first 10 years at the FBS level - I don't know of another start-up program that has had that kind of success so quickly.

 "I am confident that we will hire an outstanding football coach who will take Georgia State football to even greater heights. We plan to move quickly, and we have retained Parker Executive Search to assist in the process. We're excited about the future."

The Panthers went 7-6 in 2023 and won the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl under Elliott's direction.