Steve Spurrier -- I'm Not a Good Coach Anymore ... 'Recruiting Liability'

Steve Spurrier says he's "resigning" as the head coach at the University of South Carolina because the team sucks ... and he thinks it's his fault ... and he wants to "get out of the way."

Spurrier just explained himself at a news conference -- saying he thinks the new coach Shawn Elliott will be able to breathe life back into the program.

He also says he's a "recruiting liability" because he's old -- 70 -- and it's hard to convince high school players that he'll be around for 5 more years.

Spurrier says this year's team isn't as good as he thought they would be -- but says things could be different under new leadership.

Spurrier also says he's not retiring, he's resigning ... and may coach high school football in the future.