I just spoke with former Arkansas secondary coach Lorenzo Ward. It turns out his deal at South Carolina is better than many thought.

  Ward told The Morning News that he has accepted a job as South Carolina’s defensive coordinator, a position that was held last season by his close friend Ellis Johnson. Ward said he’s not sure what title Johnson will have with the Gamecocks.

  ”He was willing to give up his coordinator title to me,” Ward said. 

  Ward said he agreed to a three-year deal with South Carolina, and will begin officially start with the Gamecocks on Friday.

  ”The opportunity to have a title as a position coach intrigued me, and my ultimate goal is to be a head coach.  With a title (as a defensive coordinator), it increases your chances of doing that,” Ward said. “So that was the major factor in the deal, but Ellis and I are very close. Been close a long time, and the opportunity to work with him will be great also.”