South Carolina continues its overhaul of the offensive staff as head coach Shane Beamer named TCU assistant offensive line coach Randy Clements as the team’s next offensive line coach, according to CBS Sports. Clements joins the staff in Columbia following the departure of Lonnie Teasley in October after the loss to LSU.
This marks the second hire South Carolina has made from the Horned Frogs this week, following Kendal Briles coming aboard as offensive coordinator on Monday. Clements brings extensive experience as a veteran offensive line coach with knowledge gained from his time at TCU and schools including Florida State, Ole Miss, Baylor and Houston. Briles and Clements have worked together previously at both Baylor and TCU, establishing a relationship that could benefit the Gamecocks moving forward.
A proven track record of success
Clements arrives in Columbia with an impressive resume that spans multiple successful programs. He was part of nine offenses that ranked inside the top 15 nationally from 2010 to 2020, including three straight seasons at Baylor alongside Briles. The existing familiarity between Briles and Clements could pay significant dividends for the Gamecocks offense in 2026 and beyond as they attempt to implement a cohesive system.
The new offensive line coach also spent time at North Carolina before joining TCU, adding ACC experience to his background. His ability to develop talent and create successful rushing attacks at previous stops represents exactly what South Carolina needs as it attempts to climb out of the conference cellar in ground game production.
The challenge ahead
Clements faces a substantial task improving an offensive line group that struggled with injuries, penalties and inconsistent play throughout 2025. The unit needs an influx of talent as well to help return it to one of the better groups in the conference, a status it held in previous seasons under different coaching.
Running the ball was a struggle all year long for a Gamecocks squad that finished near the bottom of the SEC in every major statistical category. This season the team averaged 111.08 rushing yards per game, ranking 15th in the conference. The yards per carry average of 3.24 placed South Carolina dead last in the SEC, a troubling statistic that highlights the offensive line’s inability to generate push at the line of scrimmage.
The Gamecocks accumulated just 1,333 total rushing yards, again placing 15th in the conference despite being 10th in rushing attempts with 411. This disparity between attempts and production demonstrates the inefficiency that plagued the running game all season. Every carry resulted in minimal gains, forcing the offense into predictable passing situations and limiting the play-calling options available to coordinators.
The fourth hire in four years
Clements becomes the fourth offensive line coach Beamer has hired since taking over as head coach in 2021. The position has seen Greg Adkins serve from 2021 to 2022, Lonnie Teasley from 2023 to 2025, and interim coach Shawn Elliott handling duties for part of 2025. The constant turnover in this crucial position has contributed to the lack of continuity and development along the offensive front.
Stability in coaching often correlates directly with player development and on-field success. The hope in Columbia is that Clements can establish that stability and create a multi-year plan for improving the offensive line through both development of current players and strategic recruiting.
Building the offensive staff
Shane Beamer came into the offseason needing to make four hires on his offensive staff, which includes offensive line coach, running backs coach, quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. The hiring of Clements and Briles removes two of the needs for this team with the other two positions set to be filled in the coming weeks.
These moves allow the Gamecocks to focus on the next critical aspect of the offseason, which involves transfer portal acquisitions. With the coaching staff taking shape, South Carolina can now present a clear vision to potential transfers about the offensive system and development opportunities available in Columbia.
The transfer portal has become increasingly important for programs attempting to fill immediate needs and add experienced depth. South Carolina’s struggles on the offensive line make it a priority position for portal additions, and having Clements in place allows the staff to begin evaluating potential targets who fit the new system.
The Briles-Clements partnership brings offensive line coaching expertise combined with an established coordinator relationship that should streamline implementation of new schemes. South Carolina fans hope this combination can reverse the troubling trends that defined the 2025 rushing attack and restore competitiveness in the trenches throughout the SEC.
Source: CBS Sports