South Carolina’s newly appointed offensive coordinator Kendal Briles arrives in Columbia with a résumé that includes not only offensive production but a demonstrated ability to recruit and develop high-level talent at multiple Power 5 programs. His hiring is expected to be a pivotal moment for Gamecock football as the program looks to rejuvenate its offense moving forward. (On3)
Briles’ coaching path spans Baylor, Florida Atlantic, Houston, Florida State, Arkansas, and TCU, where he has coached quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers who went on to some of their most productive seasons in college and, in many cases, careers in the NFL. (On3)
Recruiting Footprint Across Multiple Programs
One of the hallmarks of Briles’ career has been his involvement in recruiting talented prospects who became impact players. Among his top recruits are highly regarded figures like:
- K.D. Cannon (WR) — Five-star wide receiver
- Jarrett Stidham (QB) — Five-star and the No. 1 quarterback in his class
In addition to these elite prospects, Briles helped bring in numerous four-star recruits at skill positions, including wide receivers, quarterbacks, defensive backs, and linemen, demonstrating his reach across both offensive and defensive targets. (On3)
Player Development and On-Field Production
Briles’ offensive systems and coaching have produced notable individual and team outcomes:
At Baylor
During his years with the Bears, Briles played a role in the development of players such as:
- Bryce Petty (QB) — High-production college career with over 8,000 yards and drafted into the NFL
- Kendall Wright (WR) — First-round NFL Draft pick and All-American
He also coached Denzel Mims, another NFL draft pick, along with other contributors who impacted Baylor’s high-powered offenses. (On3)
At FAU
Briles’ one season saw Devin Singletary rush for nearly 2,000 yards and become the first AP All-American in school history, later being drafted into the NFL. (On3)
At Houston
Briles helped elevate quarterbacks like D’Eriq King and Clayton Tune, with Tune setting conference records and later being selected in the NFL Draft. Receiver Marquez Stevenson flourished as well under Briles’ offense. (On3)
At Florida State and Arkansas
Players such as Cam Akers and Tre’ McKitty saw career highs, and Arkansas’ offense experienced marked improvements in both rushing and total yards under Briles’ direction — part of a broader offensive turnaround. (On3)
TCU Success and Recent Offensive Impact
In his most recent stint as associate head coach and offensive coordinator at TCU (2023–2025), Briles oversaw offenses that consistently ranked among the national leaders in key categories:
- TCU posted top-10 marks in passing offense and red-zone efficiency
- Quarterbacks under his guidance set school passing records
- The offense never averaged fewer than 30 points per game in his three years there
Briles’ track record for fostering explosive offenses and helping quarterbacks and skill players reach their potential was a major reason South Carolina targeted him for their offensive coordinator role. (TCU Athletics)
Why This Matters for South Carolina
As Briles takes over South Carolina’s offense, his blend of recruiting credibility and on-field developmental success brings optimism to a program that struggled at times offensively in recent seasons. His history suggests that he not only attracts talented players but also helps them elevate their games within complex offensive systems. (On3)
Briles’ ability to secure top recruits and develop them into productive college players — and often NFL prospects — could be a crucial piece in South Carolina’s effort to climb back into SEC prominence, particularly as the Gamecocks aim to bounce back after a difficult 2025 season. (On3)
