COLUMBIA, S.C. — Steve Spurrier laughed off questions about speculation that he's grown frustrated with trying to build South Carolina into a championship contender and could walk away from the Gamecocks before his contract runs out.

The coach says he knew things wouldn't change overnight and is confident the program's best days are ahead.

Spurrier will remain the chief play-caller for South Carolina and he plans to spend more time working with the quarterbacks than he has in his first three years with the program.

The Gamecocks are coming off a disappointing season. They started 6-1 but lost their final five games.