South Carolina football: Shane Beamer hires defensive line coach

South Carolina football has added its next DL coach.

South Carolina is now just one coach away from a complete staff, as news has broken that Jimmy Lindsey will be brought on as the Gamecocks’ next defensive line coach. Gamecock Central was the first to break the story.

Lindsey is a Palmetto State native, growing up in Cheraw. He coached three seasons with new defensive coordinator Clayton White while the two were at Western Kentucky. With the Hilltoppers, Lindsey served as both a defensive assistant and a recruiting coordinator. Last year, Lindsey was on Lovie Smith’s staff at Illinois, where he helped defensive end Owen Carney develop into a second-team all-conference performer.

Over his 20-year career, Lindsey has coached seven All-Americans, and five conference defensive players of the year. He’s also had stints with his alma mater Chattanooga, Gardner-Webb, Miami (OH), Tennessee-Martin, Furman, and Georgia Southern.

Lindsey’s familiarity with the southeast should help him on the recruiting trail, as should his experience as a recruiting coordinator. He inherits a defensive line room that returns two former five-star prospects, the team’s leading sack getter, and a number of highly regarded contributors from the 2020 season.

The Gamecocks need to desperately improve their pass rush, as South Carolina posted an SEC-low 14 sacks last year. They’ll also need to be more stout against the run, where the Gamecocks surrendered nearly 200 yards a game.

Lindsey replaces Tracy Rocker, who has now joined the staff at Auburn. Rocker allegedly left South Carolina facilities without informing Shane Beamer of his intention to accept a new position. He was a no-show at yesterday’s team meeting.