As Shane Beamer wraps up the early signing period, he is looking to reset South Carolina Football ahead of a pivotal 2026 season. And it seems that the Gamecocks' hunt for a new offensive coordinator may have narrowed its focus. After dismissing Mike Shula last month, Beamer created even more flexibility on the offensive staff by parting ways with running backs coach Marquel Blackwell this week.
Kendal Briles Emerges as the Frontrunner
On Friday evening, multiple sources reported that TCU offensive coordinator Kendal Briles has emerged as the frontrunner in South Carolina’s search, with a deal expected by the end of the weekend. Briles, known for his fast-paced, spread-oriented offense, could be the spark that South Carolina needs to reignite an offense that was stale under Mike Shula.
The stakes are high in Columbia as South Carolina only managed to score more than 24 points just twice in SEC play in 2025 and ranked 102nd nationally in scoring. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers struggled to take the next step in his development this season, leaving fans hoping a new system could unlock his potential.
What This Means for 2026
With another brutal schedule in 2026 that includes home games against Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and Tennessee, not to mention road trips to Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and Oklahoma, Beamer's choice of OC could make or break the season. It could also save or cost him his job as well.
For his part, Briles is no stranger to producing potent offenses. As OC and quarterbacks coach at TCU Horned Frogs, his offenses have ranked among the Big 12's best in passing, red-zone conversions, and total offense. A fresh offensive system like this might rejuvenate quarterback confidence and help unlock South Carolina's offensive line and skill-player potential. In recruiting circles and among fans, there's some buzz that Briles could be the "get it right" coordinator, the one that stays, builds chemistry, and gives Beamer some much-needed stability on the O-line.
Risks and Challenges Ahead
Of course, hiring Briles wouldn't be a guaranteed success, as with any new hire. Even good coordinators struggle if the offensive line remains leaky or if there is poor execution. South Carolina's O-line woes and penalties have been systemic. Continuity has plagued this program. Since 2021, the Gamecocks have cycled through three different OCs, that instability itself has been a problem independent of the on-field product.
The coming weekend could provide clarity on what the Gamecocks' offense will look like in 2026, and whether Briles could be the catalyst for the turnaround everyone in Columbia is hoping for.