The University of South Carolina’s Board of Trustees met Thursday with just one item on the docket — “Approval of Athletics Personnel Contracts.”
By the end of the session, the Gamecocks had officially secured deals for all three of their expected new hires.
For the past week, GamecockCentral reported that Kendal Briles (TCU offensive coordinator), Randy Clements (TCU assistant OL coach), and Stan Drayton (Penn State running backs coach) were finalizing moves to Columbia. Thursday’s meeting confirmed each of their arrivals.
Kendal Briles’ Contract Details
Briles will take over as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, signing a three-year, $2 million contract that increases by $100,000 each season, with performance bonuses included.
If South Carolina fires Briles, he is owed the full remaining value of the contract.
If Briles chooses to leave on his own within the first six months, he must repay the entire contract value. After that window:
- Departure in the rest of Year 1 → $1.5 million buyout
- Departure in Year 2 → $1.05 million buyout
- Departure in Year 3 → $550,000 buyout
Leaving for a head-coaching role would not trigger a buyout.
Randy Clements’ Contract Details
Clements, now officially the Gamecocks’ offensive line coach, will earn $725,000 per year on a two-year contract, with incentives available.
If South Carolina ends the deal:
- Year 1 buyout → 85% of remaining salary
- Year 2 buyout → 75% of remaining salary
If Clements leaves on his own:
- Within first six months → $1.45 million owed to USC
- Remainder of Year 1 → $543,250
- Year 2 → $362,500
A move to a coordinator or head-coaching position carries no buyout penalty.
Stan Drayton’s Contract Details
Drayton will serve as assistant head coach for offense on a three-year, $775,000-per-year deal (plus incentives).
If South Carolina initiates the buyout, his terms mirror Clements’ for the first two years. In Year 3, however, he’s owed 65% of the remaining contract.
If Drayton leaves for another non-coordinator or non-head-coaching position:
- First six months → $2.325 million
- Remainder of Year 1 → $581,250
- Year 2 → $387,500
- Year 3 → $193,750
Beamer’s Staff Shakeup Continues
With these hires finalized, head coach Shane Beamer has now fully replaced the three assistants he dismissed this fall:
- Offensive coordinator Mike Shula
- Offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley
- Running backs coach Marquel Blackwell
Two returning assistants will slide back into their original jobs:
- Mike Furrey, who acted as interim playcaller after Shula’s firing, will resume duties as wide receivers coach while keeping his passing game coordinator title.
- Shawn Elliott, who filled in as interim OL coach after Teasley was let go, will move back to tight ends coach and maintain his run game coordinator role.
With Briles, Clements, and Drayton now under contract, South Carolina’s offensive staff overhaul is officially locked in as preparations begin for the 2026 season.
