South Carolina has officially promoted longtime defensive backs coach Torrian Gray, elevating him to assistant football coach and co-defensive coordinator and approving a new contract that places him among the program’s highest-paid assistants.
Gray, who has been part of Shane Beamer’s staff for all five seasons, received a salary increase from $850,000 to $1 million annually, making him the third assistant coach at USC to reach the seven-figure mark. His current contract runs through December 31, 2027, with two years remaining.
As part of the agreement, the university added a strengthened buyout clause designed to protect its investment. If Gray were to leave the program before June 30, 2026, he would owe South Carolina $2 million, a significant increase from his previous contract terms. The buyout amount drops to $500,000 after July 1, 2026, and decreases further to $300,000 starting January 1, 2027.
The move signals South Carolina’s commitment to continuity on the defensive staff, particularly amid ongoing coaching turnover across college football. Gray has been a central figure in the development of the Gamecocks’ defensive backs and pass defense since Beamer’s arrival.
In addition to Gray’s promotion, South Carolina also finalized the first contract for new assistant coach Deion Barnes, who will oversee the defensive ends and edge rushers. Barnes signed a two-year deal that will pay $675,000 in 2026 and $775,000 in 2027. The university will also cover his $25,428 buyout from Penn State. Barnes replaces Sterling Lucas, who recently departed for a position at LSU.
All coaching contract updates were approved by the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees’ governance committee, solidifying the Gamecocks’ coaching structure and salary framework heading into the 2026 season.
