Luke Doty isn’t done with South Carolina football - not by a long shot. The former quarterback and wide receiver is staying in Columbia, trading in his helmet for a headset as he begins a new chapter on the Gamecocks’ coaching staff.
Doty has officially joined the program as a defensive assistant, working closely with the secondary. It's a notable shift for a player who spent his college career on the offensive side of the ball, but it speaks volumes about his football IQ and versatility. He’s now part of the group supporting defensive backs coach Torrian Gray, helping to develop a unit that continues to be a focal point of South Carolina’s defensive identity.
He’s not alone in this transition. Doty joins former All-American safety Jaylan Foster on the defensive staff.
Foster, who’s been serving as a graduate assistant, primarily works with the nickel backs and brings a high-level playing pedigree to the room. Together, Doty and Foster represent a bridge between the current roster and the recent past - two guys who’ve worn the uniform, battled in the SEC, and now bring that experience to the meeting room and practice field.
For Doty, this move feels like a natural extension of his time in garnet and black. A Myrtle Beach native, he came to South Carolina as part of the 2020 recruiting class and spent six seasons with the program. Along the way, he earned two degrees, contributed in multiple roles, and built a reputation as a high-character leader - someone teammates respected and coaches trusted.
His stat sheet tells part of the story: 47 games played, nine starts (six at quarterback, three at wide receiver), over 1,600 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, and a handful of scores on the ground and through the air. But Doty's impact went beyond numbers.
He was the kind of teammate who embraced whatever role was asked of him - whether it was starting under center, lining up out wide, or contributing on special teams. That adaptability and team-first mindset are exactly what you want in a young coach.
Now, Doty gets to bring that same energy and football acumen to the other side of the ball. It’s not every day you see a former quarterback helping coach defensive backs, but that’s part of what makes this move intriguing.
He knows what quarterbacks look for, how they read coverages, and where they try to exploit mismatches. That perspective could be a real asset for a secondary looking to take the next step.
This is also a continuation of a broader trend under Shane Beamer - keeping former players in the fold, developing young coaches from within, and building a staff that understands the culture and expectations of South Carolina football. Doty fits that mold perfectly. He’s been through the highs and lows, knows what it means to represent the program, and now he gets to help shape the next generation of Gamecocks.
It’s early days in Doty’s coaching journey, but if his playing career is any indication, he’ll approach this opportunity with the same work ethic and humility that made him a fan favorite. South Carolina's secondary just gained a coach who knows what it means to lead, adapt, and compete - and that’s a win for the program.