South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer is under increased pressure as the Gamecocks struggle through a 3-6 season and a four-game losing skid. Once ranked No. 13 entering Week 1, South Carolina now finds itself fighting to salvage momentum heading into Week 12 against Texas A&M.
According to Oliver Hodgkinson of Pro Football & Sports Network, Beamer is one of the coaches sitting squarely on the hot seat. The Gamecocks have already made one major move, firing offensive coordinator Mike Shula on Nov. 2 in hopes of reviving the season.
Even if South Carolina isn’t actively looking to part ways with Beamer, many believe a fresh start could benefit both sides. With several programs — Penn State, Virginia Tech, UCLA, Arkansas, and Oklahoma State — expected to hire new head coaches this offseason, Beamer’s name is already circulating. Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus recently identified Beamer as a candidate for the opening at Virginia Tech.
The Hokies are replacing Brent Pry, who was let go on Sept. 14 after starting the 2025 season 0-3. Ironically, one of those losses came against Beamer’s Gamecocks in Week 1.
Even with this year’s difficulties, Beamer’s tenure at South Carolina hasn’t been without success. Over five seasons, he has compiled a 32-28 record, highlighted by a 9-4 campaign in 2024. In his first year in Columbia, he lifted the Gamecocks from a 2-8 season to a 7-6 bowl-winning program in 2021.
What adds intrigue to Beamer’s potential fit at Virginia Tech is his family legacy. His father, Frank Beamer, led the Hokies for 29 years, posting a 238-121-2 record and finishing 11-12 in bowl games. He retired in 2015 as the winningest coach in program history.
Shane Beamer also spent significant time within the Virginia Tech program, serving as associate head coach and running backs coach from 2011-15. His familiarity with the culture and expectations in Blacksburg makes him an appealing candidate.
Still, the job wouldn’t be an easy rebuild. Since 2020, Virginia Tech has managed just one winning season and a single bowl victory. But because of the Beamer family connection, the possibility continues to generate buzz.
Despite the rumors, Beamer remains tied to South Carolina for the long haul. He signed a five-year extension on Jan. 24, committing him to the Gamecocks through the 2030 season.
