Legendary coach Frank Beamer will be involved in South Carolina football in some capacity.
South Carolina named Oklahoma assistant Shane Beamer to be its next head coach in Columbia, but the Gamecocks may end up getting a package deal out of the hire. In his introductory press conference, Beamer mentioned that he and South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner discussed the possibility of getting his father, legendary Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer, involved with the program.
"“Coach Tanner and I had talked about that with my dad and his role. Obviously, we want to do everything within NCAA rules. Without speaking to my dad, I promised coach Tanner that my dad would certainly be involved heavily in the program.”"
This could have been a selling point during the interview process, as the younger Beamer has yet to hold a head coaching position. Having one of the best to ever do it at the Power Five level is certainly a great resource to have while you’re still learning on the job.
Frank Beamer posted a record of 238-121-2 in 361 career games, spending his entire 29 year tenure with Virginia Tech, and leading the Hokies to 23 bowl appearances. Those 238 wins rank 11th all time, while the 23 bowl games rank sixth. Beamer led the program to a National Championship appearance in 1999, with Michael Vick under center.
While the eldest Beamer certainly has the qualifications to join the South Carolina football program in some capacity, Shane still needed to clear it with his father. Shortly after the interview, he did just that.
"“I said, ‘Sorry, but I may have spoken for you and promised something I can’t get back out of.’ He’s all for it. He loves this place. He enjoyed coming here to visit when we lived here before. I still rely on him and his expertise to this day, calling him for advice on x’s and o’s or just football leadership questions.”"
Frank Beamer has been out of coaching for about five seasons now, but Gamecock fans may get used to seeing the accomplished head coach in Williams-Brice Stadium very soon.