COLUMBIA --- South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier wished his former defensive coordinator well Tuesday and hoped it was a change that would work for all involved.

Tyrone Nix, Spurrier's defensive coordinator the past three seasons, left for Ole Miss to work with its newly hired coach, Houston Nutt. Nix would serve as the Rebels' defensive coordinator.

"Tyrone Nix is a good person, a wonderful family man and an outstanding football coach," Spurrier said in a statement. "We wish him the very best at Ole Miss except when they play the Gamecocks."

The Gamecocks travel to Mississippi for a game Oct. 4.

Spurrier would not take questions about Nix's departure, athletic spokesman Steve Fink said.

Nix had interviewed for the head coaching job at his alma mater, Southern Miss, but withdrew his name from consideration last week.

Nix said in a statement that he was glad to work for "one of the best head coaches in the game" in Spurrier. However, Nix said he thought "the best thing for me at this time is to go work for the University of Mississippi and see what we can get done there."

Nix did not return a message left on his cell phone seeking comment.

Nix's defense at South Carolina was a big reason the Gamecocks opened 6-1 and rose to No. 6 in the country.

But the unit came under fire for some poor performances down the stretch as South Carolina finished with five consecutive losses to close the season without a bowl bid.