Ex-Gamecock Quarterback Taneyhill Picked To Lead Union County High Football Team

The Union County school board selected ex-South Carolina quarterback Steve Taneyhill as the new head coach for Union County High School at a meeting Monday night.

Taneyhill has previously served as the head coach at Class-A Chesterfield High School since 2005. With the Rams, he won three state championships and led them to a runner-up finish in his second season.

"When we began our search, I called districts and coaches all around the state and asked who the best football coach is," said Union County School Superintendent Dr. Kristi Woodall. "The name mentioned time and time again was Steve Taneyhill."

Woodall mentioned that Taneyhill's vision and enthusiasm for the program helped led them in his direction.

"During the interview process, we were impressed with his commitment to excellence and the shared vision that we have for Union County football. In Union County we are building champions in academic, athletics and fine arts. Adding Coach Taneyhill to our family moves us one step closer to our goals."

Union County High Principal Floyd Lyles echoed Woodall's sentiments.

"Coach Taneyhill's enthusiasm for the game generates intense excitement!" said Lyles. "His dedication to the continued success of student athletes was impressive to me and to the selection committee. He brings a passion for football that i admire as a former player and coach at Union."

Taneyhill spoke to the Florence Morning News Monday night and said the opportunity to bring Union back to what they used to be was a challenge that interested him.

"Their expectations there as a school and as community is they want to win," he said. "They feel like they have the kids to win there now. It is a big challenge, but that makes it fun and at this time, that is what I was looking for. I want to build somebody else up to the top."

As far as what he hopes to accomplish, Taneyhill did not mix words in his interview.

"I think it is going to be great," he told the newspaper. "Get to work right away. I feel like I'm two months behinds everyone else. My expectations will be the same. I have seen some film on them and they have some good wideouts and very good looking quarterback and running back."

While at South Carolina, Taneyhill led the Gamecocks to their first bowl win in school history and finished as one of the school's all-time leading passers.

Union County High coach David Lipsey resigned following the Yellow Jackets 4-7 season. They finished with a 2-3 record in Region III-3A.