Shane Beamer Reshapes South Carolina Football in Busy Offseason

Gamecocks coach makes key hires, retains star players, and builds through transfer portal

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer had a busy offseason, making changes to his coaching staff, retaining key players like quarterback LaNorris Sellers, and rebuilding the roster through the transfer portal. Beamer fired two coaches, hired new offensive and defensive coordinators, and brought in 25 transfer players to address needs across the team. While the Gamecocks went just 4-8 in 2025, Beamer's offseason moves have positioned the program for a potential bounce-back year.

Why it matters

After a disappointing 4-8 season in 2025, Beamer needed to make significant changes to his coaching staff and roster to get the Gamecocks back on track. Retaining star players like Sellers, Stewart, and Harbor was crucial, while the new offensive coordinator hire and transfer portal additions could provide a needed boost on both sides of the ball.

The details

Beamer fired two assistant coaches and brought in new coordinators, including hiring Kendal Briles from TCU to run the offense. The Gamecocks also flipped edge rusher Julian Walker from Michigan and signed a top-20 recruiting class despite the losing season. Through the transfer portal, South Carolina added 25 new players, including a key offensive lineman in Jacarrius Peak from NC State, though Peak suffered an injury that will sideline him for spring practice.

  • Beamer fired offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley on Oct. 12, 2025 after a loss to LSU.
  • Beamer fired running backs coach Marquel Blackwell on Dec. 4, 2025.
  • Beamer hired Kendal Briles as offensive coordinator in December 2025.
  • Beamer hired new defensive ends/outside linebackers coach Deion Barnes on Dec. 5, 2025 after Sterling Lucas left for LSU.
  • Special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis was hired by the Las Vegas Raiders on Feb. 16, 2026, and Beamer hired Matthew Smiley as his replacement by Feb. 21.

The players

LaNorris Sellers

South Carolina's starting quarterback, a preseason Heisman Trophy contender and projected early 2026 NFL draft pick.

Dylan Stewart

South Carolina's star edge rusher who Beamer was able to retain despite losing his position coach to LSU.

Nyck Harbor

South Carolina's leading receiver in 2025 with 618 yards and 6 touchdowns on 30 catches.

Kendal Briles

The new offensive coordinator hired away from TCU, where his offenses averaged over 425 yards per game.

Jacarrius Peak

A key offensive line transfer from NC State who was injured and will miss spring practice.

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What they’re saying

“We fully anticipate him being ready to roll when September rolls around.”

— Shane Beamer, Head Coach (greenvilleonline.com)

What’s next

Beamer and the Gamecocks will begin spring practice on March 4 as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 4-8 season in 2025.

The takeaway

Beamer has made significant changes to his coaching staff and roster in an effort to get South Carolina football back on track after a tough 2025 campaign. Retaining key players, making high-profile coordinator hires, and rebuilding through the transfer portal could pay dividends for the Gamecocks in 2026 if the new pieces come together.