THE SIDELINES : Spurrier Reported Fla.-Bound

Steve Spurrier has resigned as Duke’s football coach and will take the helm at Florida, perhaps a day after the Gators play in the Freedom Bowl, according to a published report.

Sources close to the Duke athletic department told the Charlotte Observer in interviews published today that Spurrier informed Athletic Director Tom Butters Thursday, before the Blue Devils’ game against Texas Tech in the All American Bowl, that he is leaving. Texas Tech beat Duke 49-21.

After the game, Spurrier would not confirm if he is leaving Duke.

“I’m not important tonight,” Spurrier said. “Tonight belongs to the players.”

Asked to confirm the resignation, Butters said: “It’s not my position to make his decisions or his announcements. If I answered your question, I might be doing that.”