Prized South Carolina Commits React to Coaching Shake-Up After Lonnie Teasley’s Firing
The news of South Carolina parting ways with offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley sent shockwaves through Gamecock Nation — and it didn’t take long for two of the program’s top 2025 offensive line commits, Darius Gray and Zyon Guiles, to weigh in on the surprising move.
Teasley, who joined the South Carolina staff in 2021 and was elevated to offensive line coach in 2023, was relieved of his duties by head coach Shane Beamer earlier this week. The change comes in the wake of continued struggles from the Gamecocks’ offensive front, a unit that has battled inconsistency and injuries through much of the season.
While the firing raises questions about continuity on the recruiting trail, both Gray and Guiles remain steady in their commitments — for now.
Darius Gray staying focused but surprised by the move
Four-star offensive tackle Darius Gray, one of South Carolina’s highest-rated commits, admitted he didn’t see the move coming.
“It definitely caught me off guard,” Gray told On3. “Coach Teasley was my guy. We talked almost every day, and he was a big part of why I committed to South Carolina.”
Despite his connection to Teasley, Gray emphasized that his belief in the program as a whole hasn’t changed.
“I trust Coach Beamer and what he’s building,” he said. “It’s tough, but I’m still locked in. I know he’s going to bring in someone great to keep this thing moving.”
Zyon Guiles voices confidence in South Carolina’s direction
Three-star offensive guard Zyon Guiles echoed similar feelings, saying the news “stung a little,” but that he remains optimistic about the team’s future.
“Coach Teasley believed in me from the start,” Guiles said. “He gave me a chance, and I’ll always appreciate that. But I’m committed to the school, not just one coach.”
Guiles added that he’s already heard from Beamer and other members of the staff since the announcement.
“They made sure to reach out right away and let me know what’s happening,” he said. “That meant a lot. I’m excited to see who they bring in next — hopefully someone who can build on what Coach Teasley started.”
Beamer moves quickly to stabilize the situation
In the immediate aftermath of Teasley’s firing, Shane Beamer named Shawn Elliott, the Gamecocks’ running game coordinator and tight ends coach, as the interim offensive line coach. Elliott’s familiarity with South Carolina’s offensive system and his history coaching the line during his first stint with the program (2010–2016) could help smooth the transition.
Beamer acknowledged the emotional impact of the move but emphasized that the decision was made in the program’s best long-term interest.
“These decisions are never easy,” Beamer said. “Lonnie’s a great coach and even better person. But at this point, I felt like we needed a different direction to get this group where it needs to be.”
Recruiting fallout still to be seen
While both Gray and Guiles remain committed, the coming weeks will be crucial as other programs attempt to capitalize on the uncertainty in Columbia. Both players confirmed they’ve already heard from other schools since the firing became public, but neither is wavering — at least for now.
“I’m still a Gamecock,” Gray said firmly. “But I’m watching to see how things play out.”
With signing day still months away, the Gamecocks’ ability to steady the recruiting front — and identify a strong replacement for Teasley — will be key to keeping their offensive line class intact.
Bottom line: The firing of Lonnie Teasley may mark the end of one coaching chapter in Columbia, but South Carolina’s prized commits are keeping faith in Shane Beamer’s vision — even as the Gamecocks navigate another storm in a turbulent season.
