Stephen Thomas “Coach T” Taneyhill

The following obituary is being shared as a courtesy to the local friends of Coach Taneyhill. On behalf of the Chesterfield Community our love, sympathies and condolences are with Coach T's family. A register book will be available at Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home and in the foyer of Chesterfield High School the week of January 5 - 9, 2026. Each condolence and tribute will be forwarded to the Taneyhill family following the public memorial service. For online directions or floral offerings, please visit www.eggersfuneralhome.com

Spartanburg, SC

Stephen Thomas Taneyhill was one of the most iconic figures in University of South Carolina football history and a man whose impact on the game, on young athletes, and on his community spanned decades.

A native of Altoona, Pennsylvania, Steve was a standout multi-sport athlete at Altoona Area High School, where his competitiveness and leadership first set him apart. He later became the starting quarterback for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks from 1992 to 1995 during a transformative era for the program. Over four seasons, he rewrote the school’s passing record book, finishing his career as South Carolina’s all-time leader in career completions with 753 and career passing touchdowns with 62, while ranking among the program’s leaders in passing yards and single-game performances.

Steve gained national recognition early in his collegiate career, earning Sports Illustrated Freshman of the Year honors and being named a Freshman All-American in 1992. His confidence, competitive edge, and unmistakable presence made him one of the most recognizable quarterbacks in college football during the 1990s. Known for his iconic mullet and trademark home-run-style celebration after touchdown passes, he became a fan favorite and a defining figure of his era.

One of Steve’s most enduring contributions to Gamecock history came during the 1994 season, when he helped lead South Carolina to its first bowl victory, defeating West Virginia in the Carquest Bowl. He served as a team captain during his senior season in 1995. In recognition of his lasting impact on the program, Steve was inducted into the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.

Steve’s love for football never faded. He was a lifelong and fiercely loyal supporter of the South Carolina Gamecocks and proudly carried that identity long after his playing days ended. He was equally passionate in his support of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a reflection of his Pennsylvania roots and enduring love of the game.

Following his collegiate career, Steve continued his impact on the game through high school coaching. He began his head coaching career at Cambridge Academy and later served as head coach at Chesterfield High School and Union County High School, coaching from 1998 through 2015. At Chesterfield High School, Steve led the Rams to three consecutive South Carolina state championships from 2007 to 2009, following a state championship appearance in 2006. He later took over the program at Union County High School, guiding the team to a state championship appearance in his first season in 2012 and a semifinal appearance in 2015. Throughout his coaching career, Steve was known for his intensity, competitiveness, and deep understanding of the game.

Beyond football, Steve was a successful businessman, owning and operating establishments in Columbia and Spartanburg with some of his best friends that became gathering places for friends, fans, and community alike. His staff and business partners were family to him.

However, Steve was most fulfilled in the quieter moments outdoors, surrounded by land. This year, he was especially proud to purchase One Eight Farms, a place he envisioned not just as land, but as a legacy. The farm quickly became a space where he and the boys could hunt, ride their toys and spend meaningful time together. Steve took great pride in teaching Grey how to hunt the land, passing down not only the skills of the sport, but also the respect, patience, and responsibility that came with it. He also spent countless hours with Jack, teaching him how to clear trails for his motorcycle and work the land. Side by side, they planned, worked, and dreamed about what the farm would become. Those moments at One Eight Farms were more than hobbies. They were likely the greatest joy of Steve’s final year.

Steve also cherished his time with his hunting club where he found camaraderie and lifelong friendships that brought him immense joy. The men he hunted alongside became family, and the friendships formed over shared mornings, stories, and time together were priceless to him. Finding that place and those friendships brought Steve tremendous happiness over the last decade of his life.

At the center of Steve’s life was his family.

Steve was the son of Art Taneyhill and the late Susan Taneyhill, and he was, without question, a devoted mama’s boy. He is also survived by his sister, Debbie, who was one of his biggest fans and a trusted confidante throughout his life, and by his nephew, Jason, all part of a family defined by athletics, loyalty, and deep-rooted support.

Steve was deeply close to his father, Art, and they spoke daily. He came from a loving family that never missed a game, a value instilled in him early and one he carried throughout his life.

One of Steve’s most prized seasons was his last, coaching Grey in recreation football to an undefeated regular season, with Grey as quarterback. Treatment made that season harder than most people realized, but Steve never let it take away from the joy of coaching. He later told Tabitha it was the most fun he ever had as a coach.

Steve was the devoted husband of Tabitha Taneyhill, his partner in life and his equal in spirit. Strong-willed, competitive, and deeply loyal, the two were perfectly matched. That competitive spirit carried into fiercely contested family UNO games, where Steve’s determination to win never wavered. He was her steady counterbalance, confidant, and best friend.

Steve embraced the role of stepfather to Grey and Jack with pride and purpose, loving them as if they were his own. He met each boy where they were and built bonds that were uniquely personal. With Grey, Steve shared both the field and the woods. With Jack, Steve was endlessly amazed by his brilliance and individuality. The two bonded over quiet fishing contests in neighborhood ponds, moments that meant more to Steve than Jack will ever know.

Steve was also a proud and devoted dog dad. Pippy and Millie were, without question, convinced he was their favorite human, and they were right. He spoiled them endlessly, believed they could do no wrong, and loved them with the same patience, playfulness, and devotion he gave to everyone he held dear.

Steve will be remembered as a man who loved fiercely, competed passionately, and invested deeply in the people and places that mattered most to him. His legacy lives on through his family, the land he loved, the athletes he coached, the friendships he built, and the countless lives he touched.

Forever to Thee #18

Memorial Services:

A private memorial service will be held on December 19 at Eggers Funeral Home, 195 Rainbow Lake Road, Spartanburg, SC 29316, for close friends and family.

A larger celebration of Steve’s life will be held on January 10, beginning at 4:00 p.m., at his Five Points establishments. Friends are invited to gather to share stories, enjoy music, and celebrate Steve’s life in a way filled with laughter and fellowship, just the way he would have wanted. More details will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Steve’s legacy to make a memorial contribution to the Taneyhill Fund through Garnet Trust, supporting causes that reflect his lifelong passion for Gamecock football and giving back. Contributions may be made at https://garnettrust.com/taneyhillfund/.