South Carolina Elevates Torrian Gray, Finalizes Deion Barnes Hire in Football Staff Shake-Up
South Carolina’s football staff continues to take shape heading into the new year, and the Gamecocks aren’t easing into 2026 quietly. Just two days after bringing in Deion Barnes from Penn State to coach edge rushers and outside linebackers, Shane Beamer’s program made another big move - promoting veteran secondary coach Torrian Gray to assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator.
The promotion, confirmed by the university’s Board of Trustees on December 26, locks in Gray not just as a key voice in the defensive room, but as a foundational piece of the coaching staff moving forward. He’ll continue overseeing the defensive backs and coordinating the defensive pass game, roles in which he’s already made a significant impact. Now, with a new title and a bump in pay - from $850,000 to $1 million annually - Gray is signed through the 2027 season.
This isn’t just a symbolic promotion. Gray’s experience and leadership in the secondary have been critical for South Carolina’s defense, and expanding his responsibilities speaks to the trust Beamer and the program have in his ability to help shape the Gamecocks' identity on that side of the ball.
As for Barnes, his addition fills the vacancy left by Sterling Lucas and brings a fresh perspective to the edge rusher and outside linebacker units. His contract is a two-year deal, paying him $675,000 in 2026 and $775,000 in 2027. South Carolina also covered his buyout from Penn State, which came in at just over $25,000.
These moves are part of a broader reshaping of the Gamecocks' coaching staff - and it’s clear Beamer and company are placing a premium on experience, continuity, and fresh energy in equal measure.
Here’s a look at how the Gamecock coaching staff stands now:
- Shane Beamer - Head Coach
- Deion Barnes - Defensive Ends/Outside Linebackers
- Kendal Briles - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
- Randy Clements - Offensive Line
- Joe DeCamillis - Associate Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator
- Stan Drayton - Assistant Head Coach for Offense/Running Backs
- Shawn Elliott - Run Game Coordinator/Tight Ends
- Mike Furrey - Passing Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers
- Torrian Gray - Assistant Head Coach, Co-Defensive Coordinator, Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs
With these hires and promotions, South Carolina is doubling down on building a staff that blends proven leadership with new voices. The Gamecocks are clearly setting the stage for a critical stretch ahead - and making it known they’re not standing still.