South Carolina suddenly at risk of losing key coach to LSU and Lane Kiffin

There has already been a lot of coaching turnover at South Carolina this offseason, but losing top assistant Sterling Lucas might not have been on the bingo card.

Lucas, who is currently the Gamecocks' defensive end/edge rusher/outside linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator, is reportedly being courted by LSU to join the Tigers' staff. He has been with the Gamecocks since 2022.

Lucas has the reputation of being a dynamic recruiter and developer of talent. The Gameoccks pass rushers were among the top performing units in the conference. Last year, edge rusher Kyle Kennard had 11.5 sacks and won the Bronko Nagurski Award as the top defensive player in the country. He was also named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a Consensus All-American before being drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth round. 

Losing Lucas could put Dylan Stewart in play

Stewart, the sophomore pass rusher, has been coached by Lucas for the past two seasons and could be compelled to explore the transfer portal if his position coach leaves. There is some speculation that Lucas is close enough with Stewart to want to go to LSU with him, which would be a crushing blow to South Carolina. 

In terms of retaining players currently on the roster, Stewart is probably the highest priority remaining now that LaNorris Sellers has decided to stay with the Gamecocks. Even though Stewart's numbers were down slightly this year, top-end pass rushers don't grow on trees and the former Freshman All-American has plenty of great football in front of him. 

What changes has Shane Beamer made to his staff?

The biggest change thus far is bringing in Kendal Briles to run the offense. The long-time assistant and son of former Baylor coach Art Briles comes to South Carolina after three years at TCU. He has also coached at Houston, Florida State and Arkansas.

Briles replaces Mike Shula, who was fired late in the season after spending two seasons with the Gamecocks.  Joining Briles will be offensive line coach Randy Clements, who has coached with Briles at several stops over his 30-year career.

It's also being reported that Jason Smith, the former second-overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, will be coming on staff as an assistant offensive line coach.