After South Carolina’s disappointing Week 1 loss to North Carolina, Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp became linked to the dreaded hot seat.

In his fourth season, Muschamp is now 22-18 at South Carolina. The Gamecocks have the third toughest schedule according to ESPN’s Football Power Index thanks to the rough draw of Alabama (SEC West rotating opponent) added onto annual foes Clemson, Georgia and Texas A&M. In other words, North Carolina was a game South Carolina needed to put in the win column.

When talking about Muschamp’s future, his hefty buyout is frequently mentioned. Muschamp is owed $22 million if he’s fired before the 2019 season is over. Even after the season, Muschamp would still be owed $18.6 million if fired before Dec. 31. South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner was asked about the buyout on Thursday.

“It falls in line with other coaches across the country,” Tanner told SportsTalk.

“I’m as confident in Will Muschamp as the day I hired him,” Tanner added. “You know what he walked into. We had to build a little bit.”

South Carolina plays Charleston Southern on Saturday, the Gamecocks’ home opener.