COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer officially confirmed on Wednesday what had been expected all week: wide receivers coach Mike Furrey will take over as the primary play-caller for the remainder of the 2025 season. However, Beamer clarified that the offensive coordinator responsibilities will be shared among the staff.
“I wouldn’t say we have an OC for the rest of the season,” Beamer said during his weekly SEC Coaches Teleconference. “We have a really talented offensive staff that each and every week, as we always do, will work together to put together the game plan. Then on game day, the primary play-caller will be Mike Furrey. He’ll be the main guy talking to the quarterback and communicating the play to him.”
Furrey, who joined the Gamecocks last offseason as wide receivers coach, was promoted to passing game coordinator earlier this year. His résumé includes NFL playing and coaching experience, as well as two stints as head coach at Limestone College, where he also handled play-calling duties.
Beamer emphasized that Furrey’s leadership, confidence, and experience made him the right man for the job.
“High energy. He’s got a great confidence about himself, and the offense feels his energy,” Beamer said. “He’s played in the NFL, he’s coached in the NFL, he’s been a head coach in college, and he’s called plays in college. That’s the main thing — his understanding of our offense, of the run and pass game. Nothing against our other coaches, but Mike’s the guy who’s called plays in a game previously.”
Furrey’s promotion comes after Beamer dismissed offensive coordinator Mike Shula on Sunday, following weeks of offensive struggles.
Through nine games, South Carolina ranks last in the SEC in scoring offense, total offense, and rushing yards. The Gamecocks also sit 15th out of 16 teams in passing, third-down conversions, and sacks allowed — key metrics that Beamer hopes will improve under Furrey’s direction.
Now, with Furrey at the helm and the staff collaborating closely, Beamer is banking on renewed creativity and energy to spark a late-season turnaround for the Gamecocks’ offense.
