South Carolina’s newest trio of football assistant coaches has officially made their way to Columbia, marking the beginning of a new era for the Gamecocks’ staff.
Just hours after the Board of Trustees signed off on contracts for offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, offensive line coach Randy Clements, and running backs coach Stan Drayton, two University of South Carolina planes were dispatched—one to Pennsylvania and one to Texas—to bring the new hires to town.
With flight-tracking season in full swing, GamecockCentral headed out to Jim Hamilton–L.B. Owens Airport to catch the action as the planes returned with the program’s latest additions.
The first plane touched down shortly before 3 p.m., arriving from State College with Drayton on board. Wearing a white Gamecock cap, Drayton stepped onto the tarmac alongside his wife, Monique. After the pair made their way toward the waiting vehicle, Drayton offered his first official comments as a Gamecock.
“What’s not to be excited about being in Columbia?” Drayton told GamecockCentral when asked how he felt about joining South Carolina.
A little over ten minutes later—at exactly 3:16 p.m.—the second plane landed, bringing Briles and Clements in from Texas. Briles, like Drayton, was also sporting the white South Carolina hat as he exited the aircraft. He posed for a quick photo with his wife, Sarah, and their three children in front of the plane before the families packed into SUVs waiting nearby.
GamecockCentral then relocated to the football facility to capture the group’s official arrival. Head coach Shane Beamer stepped outside to welcome everyone, first shaking Briles’ hand and sharing a light moment about the improved weather compared to Briles’ visit the previous weekend.
Beamer continued greeting Briles’ family before turning to Clements and his wife, Polly. Also present was Mike Anthony, TCU’s assistant quarterbacks coach, who appeared to be traveling with the group.
As the families and new staff members entered the building, “Sandstorm” by Darude blasted through the facility—another signature welcome to Columbia.
South Carolina will formally introduce Briles, Clements, and Drayton during a press conference scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m.
