In a move that caught fans and analysts off guard, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer has dismissed his third offensive assistant following a disappointing 2025 campaign. The firing underscores the urgency within the Gamecocks’ program to address persistent offensive struggles and sets the stage for major changes heading into 2026.
The Gamecocks ended the season with a 4-8 overall record and just 1-7 in SEC play, finishing near the bottom of the conference standings. The team’s offensive inconsistencies were a major contributor to the poor record, prompting Beamer to take decisive action. The latest shakeup saw running backs coach Marquel Blackwell relieved of his duties, marking the third offensive staff change this season.
Earlier in the year, offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley was dismissed in mid-October after the team struggled to protect the quarterback and establish a consistent rushing attack. Shortly after, in early November, Beamer parted ways with offensive coordinator Mike Shula, who had been tasked with leading the Gamecocks’ offensive scheme. With Blackwell now gone, Beamer has signaled a commitment to revamping the offensive staff to prepare for a rebound season.
Blackwell, who was in his second year coaching South Carolina’s running backs, had an impressive start in 2024, helping the Gamecocks average 184.4 rushing yards per game, good for fourth in the SEC. That success, however, did not carry over into 2025. The running game dropped dramatically, averaging just 111.1 yards per game — the second-worst in the conference and 118th nationally.
The lack of consistency was evident across the backfield. Rahsul Faison led the team with 470 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 96 carries, while quarterback LaNorris Sellers added 270 yards on the ground. That represented a steep decline from Sellers’ 684-yard, seven-touchdown season in 2024. Analysts point to poor offensive line play, injuries, and the inability to establish rhythm as key reasons for the drop.
Blackwell’s coaching résumé spans nearly two decades and includes stops at South Florida, Western Kentucky, Florida, Toledo, West Virginia, Houston, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M. Primarily a running backs coach, he also served as co-offensive coordinator at Houston for one season. His departure, while unexpected to some, reflects the high stakes in Columbia, where Beamer is under pressure to deliver results in a competitive SEC environment.
Beamer addressed the move cautiously, emphasizing that the decision was part of a broader effort to reset the program. “This is about positioning our team for success in 2026,” Beamer said. “We’ve had some challenges this season, and I’m confident these changes will help us improve. It’s never easy letting go of a coach, but sometimes tough decisions are necessary to move forward.”
Fans and observers now turn their attention to who will fill the vacant positions. With recruiting, the transfer portal, and spring practice on the horizon, Beamer must act quickly to bring in assistants who can stabilize the offense and prepare the Gamecocks for a turnaround. The firing of Blackwell, particularly given his prior success, highlights the urgency to find solutions that produce immediate results.
As South Carolina begins to rebuild its offensive identity, one thing is clear: Beamer is willing to make bold, unexpected moves to ensure the program does not repeat the struggles of 2025. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining whether these staff changes can translate into improved performance and a brighter outlook for the 2026 season.
