Kendal Briles is a highly accomplished college football coach who has repeatedly engineered explosive, balanced offenses at multiple high-level programs. His track record makes him a very compelling candidate to become the next offensive coordinator at South Carolina. Here’s a breakdown of his résumé and how it fits the Gamecocks’ needs — followed by a look at why Shane Beamer should be pushing hard now to land him.
A Strong Offensive Pedigree
- Briles has held offensive coordinator (OC) or equivalent roles at several major programs: Baylor Bears, Florida Atlantic Owls (FAU), Houston Cougars, Florida State Seminoles, Arkansas Razorbacks, and currently TCU Horned Frogs. (Wikipedia)
- At Baylor (as OC in 2015) his offense averaged 48.1 points per game and 616.2 yards of total offense, the third-highest mark in NCAA history. (TCU Athletics)
- At Houston in 2018 his offense ranked top-10 nationally in both total offense (512.5 yards per game) and points per game (43.9). (Arkansas Razorbacks)
- At Arkansas in 2021 his offense averaged 441.7 yards and 30.9 points per game, with the run game topping 227.8 yards per game (second nationally). (Arkansas Razorbacks)
- At TCU (most recently) his units have ranked among national leaders in passing offense and in red-zone efficiency. (TCU Athletics)
These numbers reflect a coach who does not rely on just one style. Briles’ offenses run the ball effectively and attack through the air, combine tempo with misdirection, and consistently challenge defenses. That versatility is a key reason why he fits the description of the “next step” for South Carolina’s offense.
Why Briles Matches What the Gamecocks Need
- Balanced, modern offense: South Carolina has long been defensively elite, but offensively they have lacked a truly dynamic, high-scoring identity. Briles brings a system that can run essentially as well as it passes.
- Proven track record at major programs: His success across multiple stops shows he can perform in competitive conferences.
- Ability to elevate skill players and QBs: Briles has helped quarterbacks and skill-position players flourish under his schemes. For example, his 2018 Houston offense had a rare dual-threat of top-level passing and rushing. (University of Houston Athletics)
- Institutional chemistry: Briles and South Carolina Athletics Director J.D. Davis reportedly share a history from time at TCU, which could smooth a transition. (This point is drawn from speculation/context rather than publicly documented stat lines.)
- Signaling ambition: Hiring a coach like Briles would tell recruits, players, and the SEC that South Carolina is serious about building an offense capable of matching its defense.
The Possibility of Shane Beamer Recruiting Briles
With all that in mind, here’s why Beamer should actively pursue Briles now:
- The offensive coordinator spot at South Carolina is likely in flux, presenting a chance to bring in a high-impact hire rather than a stop-gap.
- Briles’ profile aligns with the declared goals of the program: accelerate scoring, build identity, and compete at the top tier of the SEC.
- The mutual past connection between Briles and AD J.D. Davis could give South Carolina a relational advantage in the search.
- Time is of the essence: Securing a coordinator with Briles’ profile sooner rather than later could give the Gamecocks an early operational advantage in recruiting, scheme installation, and player buy-in.
Challenges & Considerations
- While Briles’ offensive numbers are stellar, he arrives with some baggage tied to his time at Baylor (during the scandal era). It’s not a disqualifier, but South Carolina would need to manage optics and culture. (Arkansas Fight)
- Compensation and resources: If Briles is to be enticed away from TCU (or whichever program he’s at), South Carolina must be prepared to offer competitive salary, autonomy, and staffing.
- Fit & transition: Briles’ tempo-heavy style may require acquisitions (both player- and staff-wise) and may take time to fully integrate. South Carolina might not see immediate full effect, but could build sustainably.
Final Word
In short: yes, the possibility of Shane Beamer recruiting Kendal Briles is very real — and very compelling. Briles possesses the offensive credentials, versatility, and coaching pedigree that South Carolina needs to take the next leap forward. If Beamer and his staff move aggressively and thoughtfully, this could be the hire that flips South Carolina’s offense into the powerhouse it aims to become.
