South Carolina’s offseason continues to trend toward uncertainty, as the Gamecocks are now facing the possible departure of one of their most influential assistant coaches. Sterling Lucas, a key member of Shane Beamer’s defensive staff, is reportedly expected to leave Columbia for a position on LSU’s coaching staff, a move that could further destabilize a program already navigating significant change.
Lucas has been with South Carolina since 2022 and has played a central role in the development of the Gamecocks’ defense. He currently serves as the defensive ends and edge rushers coach while also acting as the defensive run game coordinator. During his tenure, Lucas has built a reputation across the SEC as an elite recruiter and a coach capable of developing high-level talent, particularly in the trenches.
The impact of Lucas’s coaching was most evident in the breakout season of Kyle Kennard. Under Lucas’s guidance, Kennard recorded 11.5 sacks, emerged as one of the most dominant defenders in college football, and went on to win the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation’s top defensive player. Kennard was also named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a Consensus All-American before being selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, further highlighting Lucas’s value to South Carolina’s program.
Beyond the coaching implications, Lucas’s potential exit could also affect South Carolina’s roster stability. Sophomore edge rusher Dylan Stewart, a former Freshman All-American, has been coached by Lucas since arriving in Columbia and is viewed as one of the program’s cornerstone defensive players. With strong ties between player and coach, speculation has begun that Stewart could explore the transfer portal if Lucas leaves, making his retention a top priority for the Gamecocks. With quarterback LaNorris Sellers already confirming his return, Stewart now stands as the most important remaining piece for South Carolina to secure moving forward.
The situation unfolds amid broader changes within Shane Beamer’s staff. South Carolina has already made a significant move on the offensive side of the ball by hiring Kendal Briles as offensive coordinator following his three-year stint at TCU. Briles replaces Mike Shula, who was dismissed late in the season, and brings with him veteran offensive line coach Randy Clements, a longtime collaborator. Additionally, former NFL offensive lineman Jason Smith, the second overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, is expected to join the program as an assistant offensive line coach, signaling continued restructuring in Columbia.
As the offseason progresses, the potential loss of Sterling Lucas to LSU represents one of the most consequential developments yet for South Carolina. If finalized, the move would not only thin the Gamecocks’ defensive coaching staff but could also create ripple effects across the roster, placing increased pressure on Beamer and his staff to maintain continuity and stability ahead of the upcoming season.
