As South Carolina’s offense continues to sputter deep into the 2025 season, head coach Shane Beamer is standing firmly behind his offensive coordinator Mike Shula, even as frustration mounts among Gamecock fans.
The Gamecocks, now 3-4 on the year following a 26-7 home loss to No. 13 Oklahoma, have been one of the SEC’s most underwhelming offenses. Through seven games, South Carolina has failed to score more than 21 offensive points in any contest and ranks near the bottom of the conference in total yards, sacks allowed, and rushing production.
Despite those struggles — and audible “Fire Shula” chants ringing through Williams-Brice Stadium last weekend — Beamer is not ready to make another major staff change.
“I made a change last week,” Beamer said when asked about Shula’s job security, referencing his decision to fire offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley prior to the Oklahoma matchup. “Every week, we’re continuing to look at how to be better, and every week I do that. What gives me hope is the way we practice during the week. I see the effort, the fight, and the belief that this thing can turn.”
Shula, who replaced former coordinator Dowell Loggains after Loggains accepted the head coaching position at Appalachian State in the offseason, brought decades of NFL experience and a brief stint as Alabama’s head coach to Columbia. However, his debut season has been rocky. The Gamecocks’ offense has been plagued by inconsistency, conservative play calling, and an inability to protect quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
Sellers, who entered the season as a Heisman Trophy candidate, has thrown for just five touchdowns with two interceptions, while the offense has averaged a meager 20 points per game. Fans and analysts alike have criticized Shula’s lack of creativity and slow in-game adjustments.
Still, Beamer insists the issues run deeper than play calling alone.
“I know the talent we have on this offense,” Beamer said. “We’re not playing up to our potential right now, but that’s on all of us — coaches and players. It’s not about pointing fingers; it’s about fixing what’s broken.”
Inside the locker room, players have echoed Beamer’s message of accountability. Sellers, speaking after the Oklahoma loss, said the team remains united despite the noise. “We all believe in what Coach Beamer and Coach Shula are trying to do,” Sellers said. “We’ve just got to execute better. That’s on us.”
The Gamecocks’ offensive woes have undoubtedly put Beamer in the crosshairs of public criticism. Year four of his tenure was supposed to be a breakthrough, especially after South Carolina closed the 2024 regular season on a six-game winning streak and entered the year ranked in the preseason Top 15. Instead, USC now faces an uphill climb just to secure bowl eligibility, with matchups against Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M still ahead.
Beamer’s confidence in Shula could be seen as either commendable loyalty or stubborn optimism. Fans are split — some argue that patience is necessary given the injuries and inexperience along the offensive line, while others believe a midseason change is the only way to salvage the year.
For now, Beamer remains unwavering. “We’re in a storm right now, but I’m determined to get us out of it,” he said. “Mike’s a great coach, and I believe in the direction we’re headed. The results will come.”
Whether those results come soon enough to quiet the growing discontent in Columbia remains to be seen. Saturday’s homecoming matchup against No. 4 Alabama could be the ultimate test — not just for the struggling offense, but for Beamer’s steadfast faith in his coordinator.
