Coming into the offseason Shane Beamer had to focus on finding South Carolina’s next offensive coordinator, but will Beamer also have to find a replacement for his defensive coordinator? On3 Sport’s Pete Nakos reported on Monday that defensive coordinator Clayton White is on the short list for the same job at another SEC program. Could White actually be headed elsewhere in 2026?

White has been with the program in the defensive coordinator role since being hired by Beamer in 2021. Since accepting the posiiton, he has been a two-time Broyles Award nominee for the nation’s top assistant coach (2021 and 2024), including being a semi-finalist in 2024. Over his four seasons in Columbia, White’s defenses have forced 88 turnovers, the highest mark in the SEC during that stretch.

In 2024, the Gamecocks ranked among the nation’s top-25 in nearly every defensive statistical category including scoring defense (12th), rush defense (18th), pass efficiency defense (21st), total defense (16th), turnovers gained (16th), sacks (6th), forced fumbles (1st), fumbles recovered (19th), and opponents fourth down pct. (1st). While the numbers didn’t end up the same this season, White’s defense was still one of the better units in the conference, especially against the pass.

Ripple Effect in the SEC

While the biggest news of the day for fans of the Gamecocks and the football program itself was the hiring of now former TCU offensive coordinator Kendal Briles to fill the same role in Columbia, the surprising news that is now affecting the team was Tennessee deciding to move on from Tim Banks. Like White, Banks has been in charge of the Volunteers defense since 2021. He leaves after Tennessee closed the regular season last month ranked 92nd nationally in scoring defense (28.8 points per game) and 88th in yards allowed (395.5 per game).

This move could be viewed as somewhat of a surprise after Banks led one of the better units in the country in 2024. A defense that was arguably the catalyst for the Volunteers playoff push. But a down year created an open position that could make ripples across the conference.

White isn’t the only candidate in the SEC involved as Georgia’s co-defensive coordinator, and former Gamecocks DC, Travaris Robertson is also a potential target for Josh Heupel. In a move that will likely be announced sooner rather than later, the Gamecocks may not be waiting long to see if another major opening is coming this winter.

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South Carolina is expected to hire former TCU offensive coordinator Kendal Briles as the team’s next offensive coordinator, giving Shane Beamer a proven play-caller to hopefully lead the Gamecock’s to an improved unit going forward.

The hire comes on the heels of Mike Shula failing to make it through one season as the team’s offensive coordinator. Through 12 games the team ranked 14 in scoring offense (22.67 ppg), 15th in total offense (336.33 ypg), 15th in rushing (111.08 ypg), and 12th in passing (22.25 ypg). It is a significant down grade from where they were a year ago. Beamer pivoted to wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator Mike Furrey, but ultimately decided an outside hire was for the best.

Briles is the fourth offensive coordinator to join the Gamecocks in five seasons under Beamer’s tenure. He joins Marcus Satterfield, Dowell Loggains, and Mike Shula are the hires made since 2021.

Air Raid Coming to Columbia?

Briles is the son of former Baylor head coach Art Briles. His father has been known to run an air raid offensive attack that likes to use some zone read and run-pass-options (RPO) as well. Tennessee head coach Josh Huepel also runs a similar version of the offense.

This is Briles’ seventh school since 2015 where he has served as the offensive coordinator. He career includes stops at Baylor (2015-2016), Florida Atlantic (2017), Houston (2018), Florida State (2019), Arkansas (2020-2022), and TCU (2023-2025). This past season the Horned Frogs offense averaged 30.8 points per game, 132.6 rushing yards per game, 292.8 passing yards per game, and 425.3 total yards per game, all of which are better marks than the Gamecocks this season.

The biggest question mark now comes from who remains on the staff and what does the offensive roster look like this offseason. The team badly needs help in the running back room and along the offensive line. If they are able to fill those holes, or at least patch them, Briles could find success in the near future.

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• Follow Alex Joyce on Twitter: @AlexJoyceSI
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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — North Charleston police are investigating an incident on Interstate 26 West near Aviation Avenue, according to a report from local authorities.

I-26 westbound will be completely closed between Remount Road and Eagle Drive, police said.

Drivers are encouraged to find an alternate route. Those currently on the roadway were turned around.