Rumors of Shane Beamer ditching the South Carolina Gamecocks for the Virginia Tech Hokies have persisted, but the decision may be made for him before the season’s end.
Who Could South Carolina Hire if They Parted Ways With Shane Beamer?
At 3-7 following a Week 12 loss to the Texas A&M Aggies, South Carolina could reason it’s already hit its ceiling with Beamer at the helm. Sure, the Aggies were ranked No. 3 in the nation, but the Gamecocks held a massive 30-3 halftime lead.
According to the broadcast, since 2004, SEC teams trailing by 27 or more points held a 0-286 record. Thanks to Beamers and Co.’s second-half implosion, that record now stands at 1-286.
Most of the discussion had centered on his $5 million buyout if he were to terminate his contract early to pursue another opportunity, but if the Gamecocks want to move on more quickly, it would cost them a substantial $27.9 million.
Beamer hasn’t led his squad to a bowl win since his very first season, and he’s yet to win double-digit games in a single campaign. The program is still chasing its Steve Spurrier high, and if Beamer couldn’t do it with the ultimate hype of LaNorris Sellers, Nyck Harbor, and Dylan Stewart, he may never be able to.
Thus, South Carolina may (and likely should) entertain the idea of moving on and finding their next leader. Who could that be?
Jamey Chadwell, HC, Liberty
Jamey Chadwell was all the rage last season, but his name has cooled some with Liberty at 3-4. Regardless, he’s a proven program builder, having followed success at Coastal Carolina with new highs with the Flames.
He was linked to the Gamecocks last year, with many fans calling for him to replace Beamer. With the incumbent struggling once again, perhaps leadership listens to the fanbase.
Brent Key, HC, Georgia Tech
Brent Key may not want to leave Georgia Tech simply because of the coach he is, but he deserves an opportunity in the SEC. He has all the recruiting pipelines, being from Alabama, coaching for 10+ years in Florida with UCF, and spending the last seven years at Georgia Tech.
But more than that, Key knows how to maximize the talent on his roster and develop a winning culture, which is exactly what the Gamecocks need. Of course, Key doesn’t appear to want to leave Tech, but it doesn’t hurt to give him a call.
Alex Golesh, HC, USF
Speaking of the Gamecocks need … offense, and a whole lot of it. Enter Alex Golesh, one of the most electric play designers in college football. The Bulls have routinely been among the most explosive units in the country under Golesh’s leadership, and he knows a thing or two about the SEC, having coached under Josh Heupel at Tennessee.
Gus Malzahn, OC, Florida State
Has Gus Malzahn remade his head coaching image after just one season calling plays for Florida State? Maybe not to everyone, but his extensive experience, both calling productive offenses and leading entire rosters, could compel the Gamecocks enough to pick up the phone entering a pivotal offseason.
Dan Mullen, HC, UNLV
Wasted potential is one of Beamers’ biggest marks on his résumé, and Dan Mullen knows about that from his time at Florida. That said, perhaps his one season at UNLV (currently 6-2) is enough to warrant another shot atop an SEC program.
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While he flamed out in The Swamp, his early success (back-to-back 10+ win seasons and bowl victories) should entice South Carolina, especially when compared to Beamer’s results.
