Beamer, Donati United as Gamecocks Push for Strong Finish
With five regular-season games remaining, South Carolina faces a steep challenge to reach bowl eligibility — needing three more wins to secure a postseason berth.
It’s been a difficult stretch for the Gamecocks, who have dropped four of their last five games. Head coach Shane Beamer hasn’t shied away from accountability, admitting, “I’ve let a lot of people down right now.”
Despite the struggles, Beamer remains confident that a turnaround is within reach. Earlier this week, he reaffirmed his commitment to getting things back on track, saying he believes a fix is coming.
Through it all, Beamer has expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering backing of athletics director Jeremiah Donati.
“We talked the same that we always talk. He’s on every trip. He’s in the locker room after games,” Beamer said Sunday. “He and Jeff Crane both are extremely supportive and have been since the day both of them have arrived. I feel fortunate to have them as my two bosses.”
Donati, in turn, publicly reinforced his support for Beamer and the direction of the program.
“Shane’s a tremendous coach. Even our highest-paid employees need encouragement,” Donati said after Friday’s Board of Trustees meeting. “This is a big job, and we’re behind him 100 percent. My message to him has been to keep fighting the good fight every day. He’s a tremendous leader of young men. He’s got a great message, great energy — and we need that.”
The two maintain frequent communication throughout the season — even at odd hours. After the LSU loss, Beamer shared that he called Donati at 4:18 a.m. to discuss changes on the offensive line staff.
According to Donati, the open dialogue between them is constant and essential.
“We have an open line of communication,” Donati said. “Sometimes the meetings are scheduled, sometimes there’s just impromptu calls, or I might stop by practice. The best thing I can do is be a resource — give him my time, my ear, and sometimes counsel. Running a football program involves a lot, and I just try to make myself available, whether it’s me or Jeff Crane, who’s the sports administrator for football.”
Recent rumors have linked Beamer to the head coaching vacancy at Virginia Tech, his alma mater. But the South Carolina coach quickly put those reports to rest.
“I have no idea where that story came from,” Beamer said. “I’ve conveyed how many times I want to be here. This is my dream job. I said that when I came here. Nothing has changed.”
Donati confirmed Beamer’s commitment to the program.
“He’s told me before that South Carolina is his dream job and that he wants to be here for years to come,” Donati said. “I take people at face value until given a reason not to. I don’t have any reason to believe he’s leaving at this point.”
As the season enters its final stretch, Beamer’s resolve — and the administration’s faith in him — signal that South Carolina’s fight isn’t over yet.
