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South Carolina football is entering a crucial offseason after a 4-8 season. Head coach Shane Beamer decided to overhaul the offensive staff to spark improvement. He removed offensive coordinator Mike Shula, offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley, and running backs coach Marquel Blackwell. As a result, the Gamecocks are preparing to introduce three new coaches.
Multiple reports confirm that TCU offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, offensive line coach Randy Clements, and Penn State running backs coach Stan Drayton will join the program. The USC Board of Trustees has scheduled a meeting with one goal: approving athletics personnel contracts. Because of this, the hires are expected to become official very soon.
Randy Clements Brings Deep Offensive Line Experience
Randy Clements will replace Lonnie Teasley as the new offensive line coach. He spent the 2025 season at TCU as the assistant offensive line coach. Although he served in an assistant role, he brings decades of success and a strong track record.
Clements has coached at North Carolina, Houston, Baylor, Florida State, and Ole Miss. His career began in 1986 at Stephen F. Austin. From 2010 to 2020, he helped produce nine offenses that ranked inside the national top 13. At Baylor, he guided three straight top-level units from 2013 to 2015.
His work at North Carolina also stood out. In his first season, three linemen earned All-ACC honors. The Tar Heels ranked seventh nationally in total offense and 19th in rushing. Later, in 2024, two UNC linemen earned All-ACC honors again, including first-team blocker Willie Lampkin.
South Carolina returns nearly its entire scholarship offensive line. Therefore, Clements will inherit a unit with experience and potential. Shawn Elliott, who stepped in after Teasley’s firing, may also move back to coaching tight ends.
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Kendal Briles Prepares to Lead the Gamecocks’ Offense
Kendal Briles will take over as offensive coordinator. He replaces Mike Shula, who was dismissed during the season. Briles spent two years at TCU and built an offense known for tempo and explosive plays. Because of this, he is expected to deliver a major shift in style for South Carolina.
Briles previously worked with Randy Clements at Baylor. Their familiarity should help the transition. His system focuses on vertical passing, fast pace, and strong run support. The Gamecocks struggled with rhythm last season, so his scheme could bring much-needed consistency.
He will now lead a young quarterback group that needs development. With Briles calling plays, the offense should gain more structure and direction.
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Stan Drayton Poised to Lead the Running Backs Room
Penn State assistant Stan Drayton is set to become the new running backs coach. He replaces Marquel Blackwell, who was dismissed after the season. Drayton brings 32 years of experience and a strong record of developing elite running backs.
He spent 2025 at Penn State, coaching Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Before that, he worked at Texas as associate head coach and run game coordinator. He helped shape stars such as Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson, and Keaontay Ingram.
Drayton also coached at Ohio State during the Buckeyes’ 2014 national championship season. Earlier in his career, he won another national title with Florida. In addition, he earned recognition as a top recruiter when he helped bring in Cam Newton and Bijan Robinson.
Shane Beamer and Drayton previously worked together at Mississippi State in 2004. Because of their shared past, the move brings familiarity and stability to the new staff.
What the Overhaul Means for South Carolina’s Future
Beamer’s staff overhaul marks a clear attempt to reset the program’s direction. Briles’ system should raise the offense’s tempo. Clements’ coaching can strengthen the offensive line. Drayton’s experience will help develop the running backs. Together, they create a more unified and experienced coaching team.
The Gamecocks return most of their offensive line and a solid group of skill players. Therefore, the new hires give the program a strong foundation heading into the 2026 season.
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