LIVE REPORT: Shane Beamer Crowned SEC Coach of the Year, Eyes National Honors
COLUMBIA, S.C.—The accolades keep pouring in for Shane Beamer, head football coach of the University of South Carolina. Few days ago, Beamer was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Coach of the Year and is one of eight finalists for the prestigious Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award, a national honor that recognizes the grit, integrity, and excellence coaches bring to the sport on and off the field.
The Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award stands apart as the only college football coaching honor given after the national champion has been determined. The winner, selected by the National Sports Media Association, the Bryant family, and an executive leadership team, will be announced during an awards ceremony in Houston on January 22, 2025, broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
Beamer’s Record-Breaking Season
Beamer’s 2024 campaign has been nothing short of historic. Under his leadership, the Gamecocks secured nine regular-season wins, a feat accomplished only five times in school history. Notable highlights include a school-record four victories over ranked opponents, a six-game winning streak to close out the season, and Beamer being named the Bobby Dodd National Coach of the Week following a stunning upset against Texas A&M.
Beamer’s achievements also include being a semifinalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award and a finalist for both the Bobby Dodd and George Munger National Coach of the Year honors. The Gamecocks are set to finish the season with their highest ranking since 2013. Impressively, Beamer now holds the record for the most wins (29) in a coach’s first four seasons at South Carolina, surpassing Steve Spurrier.
“This team has shown tremendous resilience and heart all season,” Beamer said. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in this program.”
Star Performers Shine Bright
The Gamecocks’ success this season was fueled by standout individual performances. Edge rusher Kyle Kennard became the school’s first Bronco Nagurski Award winner, earning recognition as the nation’s top defensive player and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
Safety Nick Emmanwori and Kennard secured first-team All-America honors, while punter Kai Kroeger earned a second-team All-America selection. Freshman stars Dylan Stewart and Josiah Thompson were named True Freshman All-Americans, and quarterback LaNorris Sellers was crowned the SEC Freshman of the Year.
The Legacy of the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award
Now in its 39th year, the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award not only honors coaching excellence but also raises awareness and critical funds for cardiovascular research through the American Heart Association. The award celebrates the enduring legacy of coaching legend Bear Bryant, who passed away from a heart attack in 1983.
This year’s gala will also honor coaching icons Grant Teaff and Mark Richt. Teaff will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Richt will be presented with the Heart of a Champion Award for their contributions to the sport.
As Beamer awaits the final announcement, he joins an elite group of finalists, including Curt Cignetti (Indiana), Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State), and Steve Sarkisian (Texas), among others.
Stay tuned as we bring you updates from the Post Oak Hotel in Houston on January 22. Will Shane Beamer’s incredible season earn him national recognition? We’ll find out soon!