Brad Lawing Obituary: Beloved South Carolina Assistant Coach and Coaching Legend Passes Away at 65

I’m sorry to hear about the passing of former South Carolina assistant coach Brad Lawing. According to Wayne Parris, his brother-in-law, Lawing passed away on Thursday at the age of 65, as confirmed to The State.

Former Gamecocks quarterback and Hammond head coach Erik Kimrey expressed his sadness on Twitter, stating, “Very saddened to hear the news of Brad Lawing passing away. Coach Lawing was a legend in the coaching profession. He could tell old ball stories with the best of them. Brad was one of the best and most beloved Gamecock assistant coaches of all time. Praying for his family.”

Very saddened to hear the news of Brad Lawing passing away. Coach Lawing was a legend in the coaching profession. He could tell old ball stories with the best of them. Brad was one of the best and most beloved Gamecock assistant coaches of all time. Praying for his family.

— Erik Kimrey (@ErikKimrey) June 15, 2023

During his tenure in Columbia from 2006 to 2012, Lawing coached Jadeveon Clowney, who eventually became the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Under Lawing’s guidance, the Gamecocks led the Southeastern Conference in sacks in 2010 and 2012. Additionally, South Carolina consistently ranked in the top 15 nationally in total defense between 2008 and 2012.

Lawing had a distinguished coaching career, working under notable head coaches such as Nick Saban at Michigan State, Steve Spurrier at South Carolina, Jimbo Fisher at Florida State, and Mack Brown at Appalachian State. His most recent role was as the defensive line coach for Georgia State under former South Carolina assistant Shawn Elliott.

It is always sad to lose someone who made a significant impact in their profession, and Brad Lawing’s contributions to coaching will be remembered.

My brother-in-law, Brad Lawing, passed away this morning. He sure loved all of his family, friends, players and his coaching family. Please pray for our family.

— Wayne J. Parris, CPA (@parway14) June 15, 2023

So sorry to hear this. Brad was a larger than life personality. RIP Coach. https://t.co/oWGOREPuh4

— Jay Philips (@JayPhilips1075) June 15, 2023

Brad was a great friend, a great coach, and a great family man. I treasured his friendship…he called me last week to check on me and my family. One of the most kind people I have ever known. I am devastated today, and my prayers go out to his family. https://t.co/dQ8fryLnST

— Keith Allsep (@KAllsep) June 15, 2023

Terrible and devastating news about former USC DL coach. Our prayers are with you and the rest of your family. https://t.co/j8OXM4fF0e pic.twitter.com/qNvrYcXHKo

— Famously Garnet Sports (@FamouslyGarnet) June 15, 2023

Awful day in Gamecock Nation. Former defensive line coach Brad Lawing has passed.

Everybody who knew coach Lawing loved his knowledge, personality and intensity. He will be missed. https://t.co/BfneIlJSUO

— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) June 15, 2023