"It's all about the win/loss goggles": CFB analyst speaks about SEC coach Shane Beamer entering 2024 season on hot seat
College football thrives on high stakes and heated competition, with coaches constantly under pressure to perform. This season is no exception as South Carolina's Shane Beamer emerged as a potential coaching casualty.
J.D. PicKell defended Beamer amid criticism. Beamer was appointed in 2021 and has a respectable 20-18 record. However, some analysts believe his best showing, an 8-5 finish in 2022, isn't enough considering South Carolina's winless streak against their arch-rivals, Clemson.
J.D. PicKell of On3 argues that win-loss records shouldn't be the sole metric for coaching success. He mentioned Beamer's program-building efforts, pointing out that the 2022 season marked the Gamecocks' most wins since 2017.
"It's all about the win/loss goggles," PicKell said. "This is a tale as old as time in college football. It's something we've talked a lot about on this show. How you view your head coach is specifically viewed on are they winning or are they losing."
PicKell believes firing Beamer would be a mistake, especially considering the upcoming grueling season schedule.
"Let's not pretend that Shane Beamer hasn't done a good job at South Carolina to this point," PicKell said.
"To say he's on the hot seat going into the season, I think that is a good wild mistake if South Carolina does make a move in the other direction at head coach position."
In the upcoming season, Beamer will face a formidable challenge. The revamped SEC includes powerhouses like Ole Miss, LSU, and Oklahoma. Add in their traditional rival Clemson and the ever-present challenge of Texas A&M.
Shane Beamer targets local talent to get a Gamecock squad
Shane Beamer's strategy for the South Carolina Gamecocks hinges on keeping top in-state recruits at home. This season, a dozen Palmetto State natives will be welcomed by the Gamecocks.
But Beamer isn't afraid of the transfer portal. Enter defensive back Buddy Mack, a Byrnes High School grad returning home after playing at Pitt. He exemplifies Beamer's strategy of welcoming back South Carolina's sons.
“We certainly want to be able to have the bulk of our class come from the high-school ranks and be able to supplement it from the portal,” Beamer said at a recent Gamecock Club function.
“It’s when those guys fit what we’re about on and off the field and they’re looking for what we’re offering from an opportunity standpoint.”
Beamer believes these players already understand the program's culture and what it means to be a Gamecock. If they're seeking a new opportunity, the South Carolina door is wide open.