(Coaching search update for December 2nd)

[FeatheredCock]

(Coaching search update for December 2nd)

The pace quickened considerably Tuesday leaving us with just one conclusion. It’s a matter of when, not if, Shane Beamer is named the new coach. It could happen anytime between Friday and Monday. Tuesday morning a source shared with us information that Billy Napier wasn’t strongly pursuing the job any longer. Napier was on Ray Tanner’s list for an in-person interview this week. That looks doubtful now. In fact, we get the feeling the interview process may be over, though we have no confirmation on that. Steve Sarkisian, Brian Johnson and Scott Satterfield also were expected to be interviewed this week.

Tanner interviewed six candidates last week, including a five hour-plus session with Beamer. We’re told Tanner has been sold on Beamer since the start of the process and that interview further confirmed his feelings. Beamer also has strong support from a number of former players and current board members. How far back does support for Beamer go? A source told us Tuesday night that when university officials were sensing that Steve Spurrier was coming to the end of his time, then AD Eric Hyman was asked if he could identify a current or former staff member under Spurrier as someone who had the makeup to be a successful head coach. He identified Beamer.

A source told us late Tuesday night Beamer has reached out to some of his former contacts in South Carolina, and they had the impression Beamer is making plans to be the new head coach. According to a source, SMU offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Garrett Riley is a strong possibility to be the offensive coordinator on a Beamer staff. Riley is the brother of Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley. In his first season with the Mustangs, Riley’s offense is ranked 13th nationally at 494 yards per game, and 17th nationally at 38.6 points per game. The Mustangs are 15th nationally in passing at 318 yards per game. As for defensive coordinator, would the name Bud Foster shock you? Perhaps it shouldn’t. We’re told the long time Virginia Tech defensive coordinator would love to return to the game, and that could happen with Beamer. A source also told us Connor Shaw and MIke Bobo also are possibilities for spots on Beamer’s staff.

 

[FeatheredCock]

Looks very very good that Carolina is Beamer bound. Hope he can handle and Tanner has picked the right man to lead the program. We shell find out in a couple of years. Here's hoping we are not doing this coaching search in another 3 years.  Wish Beamer the best we sure need a winner here.  GO COCKS!!

 

[Longhaul]

The report on Napier is the feeling I was starting to get.  I can only think there may have been $$$ issues in what he wanted to come.  Maybe Frank can come and coach the special teams for us that have sucked for quite some time.  Please Keep Kitchings 

 

[Spur's Addiction]

I remember all the Bud Foster as DC talk before we hired Ellis Johnson. Wouldn;t mind having him, but why not go after Mason?

 

[The Bear]

I have leaned toward Beamer all along I hope he is the guy he has contacts here where he can come in and make an impact right away   I'm hearing on some of the radio sports shows in the upstate that it's  Beamer.  Just like last time they had it wrong or it fell apart for what ever reason.    There is too much noise this time for it not to be . I think they realize that time is ticking on the recruiting process, I think he will keep Kitching's he has done an good job with the backs. Shaw could move over to some other roll, and let BOBO coach the QB Spot.  

 

[The Bear]

I remember all the Bud Foster as DC talk before we hired Ellis Johnson. Wouldn;t mind having him, but why not go after Mason?

I really like Mason, but just look at the ties with Beamer not sure he knows Mason , I 'm with you on Mason .

 

[FurmanCock]

I remember all the BUd Foster as DC talk before we hired Ellis Johnson. Wouldn;t mind having him, but why not go after Mason?

May simply be a comfort level with Beamer...obviously he has worked with Foster previously, so they probably have a really good relationship.  I'm sure a lot of the decisions are based as to whom is in the Head Coach's network of connections.

I do remember at one time, under Spurrier, Foster was rumored to be in line to replace Nix when he left.  I can't remember all of the details, but obviously that didn't happen.  At the time, I do remember a lot of fan support for that option, with some thought that he might be able to use that as a path toward the head coaching position once Spurrier retired.

 

[Gamecockhub]

This is high risk but has the potential for high reward so I am good with this choice if it happens. As many have said the staff hires will tell us the tale.

 

[JimG]

Surprised Caslen went along with this. Let's hope they struck gold. 

 

[The Bear]

yes, I like Chadwell very much , I am really torn between the 2  I just hope that he does  not come back to bite us in the ASS

 

[Swayin]

I'm not thrilled if this is true, but of course will support him. Coordinators and recruiters will make or break the hire.

 

[kingofnerf]

One last thought and then I will let it go.

I like all the developments with Beamer and his thoughts on putting a staff together. But consider this"

The key to a good head coach is the ability to have your players perform above their talent level - the opposite of what we got with Muschamp. Jamey Chadwell has rebuilt programs - quickly - at both North Greenville and Charleston Southern.

Coastal Carolina was a preseason pick for last in the Sun Belt, per the media. Phil Steele - that seer of seers - had Coastal last in the East Division of the Sun Belt.

If you want to build South Carolina back to a strong program - quickly - there is only one PROVEN way to go.

Concur.

Sark, Satterfield, and Chadwell are proven HCs.

Winning in the SEC is very hard to do and I would be worried that Beamer would end up being Muschamp 2.0.

 

[JimG]

yes, I like Chadwell very much , I am really torn between the 2  I just hope that he does  not come back to bite us in the ASS

I will say there were legit questions as to whether Chadwell could make the jump. Building relationships with SEC calibre players and their coaches is a key. This is where some upstart coaches fail at the next level. Chadwell may have been a riskier hire than it looks on the surface. 

Shane is a proven recruiter at USC and may still have contacts in SC and the southeast.  

There are also issues with the increased pressure being HC at an SEC school v. lower tiered.

So there may be some deeper wisdom in this hire than we typically understand. 

 

[gamecock88]

I will say there were legit questions as to whether Chadwell could make the jump. Building relationships with SEC calibre players and their coaches is a key. This is where some upstart coaches fail at the next level. Chadwell may have been a riskier hire than it looks on the surface. 

Shane is a proven recruiter at USC and may still have contacts in SC and the southeast.  

There are also issues with the increased pressure being HC at an SEC school v. lower tiered.

So there may be some deeper wisdom in this hire than we typically understand. 

Agree.  Chadwell isn't a guarantee and has no real experience recruiting or coaching at the level we need to compete in the SEC.  He could be a home run but is also a risk.  Didn't Cha So also have to vacate some wins from his time or was that before him?  Maybe he is SEC caliber then....  None of these coaches are guarantees but I like any who have a history of coaching in the conference or at a similar level.  HC experience, as we've seen in the upstate, isn't necessarily needed so long as the right staff is hired and recruiting steps up.

 

[JimG]

Agree.  Chadwell isn't a guarantee and has no real experience recruiting or coaching at the level we need to compete in the SEC.  He could be a home run but is also a risk.  Didn't Cha So also have to vacate some wins from his time or was that before him?

Not sure, but inside info stated he wasn't totally clean. 

Losing out on Napier is my pout. If Billy goes to some place like UTen, we will have our hands full. 

 

[Swayin]

I am hoping Korn has jumped the gun ...  but I fear not. And once it is official, I will stop my grumbling. 

 

[duffcock]

Seems like this is a done deal.  He will need to hit the ground running and it will start with recruiting and holding any type of class together for the early signing period.  We lost some key recruits and if he can make any progress there it would be impressive.  Then his staff will be crucial - not rocket science - Riley would be a very exciting hire and I think will relate well to high schoolers and can promote his offenses which is doing quite well at SMU.  I love the idea Mason as DC.  Bud Foster is 61 and not sure that is the most forward thinking plan at this time.  Keeping Shaw, Bobo and Kitchings is a no brainer. 

As for Napier, he was my first choice but if he wants too much money or doesn't want to enthusiastically want to be here, then it is the right move to move on from him.  He's a top notch coach at a non P5 school, but he's playing a dangerous game by continually playing chicken (no pun intended) with these jobs.  

 

[JimG]

Keeping Shaw, Bobo and Kitchings is a no brainer. 

Don't see a spot for both. Mike will not likely be the OC. I'm biased, but I want Connor to coach Luke Doty. 

 

[The Bear]

Not sure, but inside info stated he wasn't totally clean. 

Losing out on Napier is my pout. If Billy goes to some place like UTen, we will have our hands full. 

If Napier really wanted the job at S.C. he would have stepped up and more calls to Tanner and he should have left no doubt, my sources are telling me that was the difference between him and  Beamer , Beamer left no doubt he wanted the job.