South Carolina is locking in key pieces of its defensive coaching staff, signaling continuity and commitment as the Gamecocks look to build momentum heading into the future. On Friday, the Board of Trustees approved a pair of significant contract moves: a new two-year deal for defensive ends coach Deion Barnes and an extension with a title bump for veteran defensive backs coach Torrian Gray.
Let’s start with Barnes, who was officially announced earlier this week as the replacement for Sterling Lucas. His contract will pay him $675,000 in 2026 and $775,000 in 2027.
South Carolina is also covering a $25,428 buyout to Penn State as part of the move, a small price to pay for a coach they clearly believe in. Barnes brings a fresh voice to the defensive front, and the financial commitment reflects the program’s confidence in what he can bring to the trenches.
But the real story here is in the fine print. If Barnes decides to leave the program early - specifically between January 2 and June 30 - he’d owe South Carolina $1.45 million.
That number drops significantly to $506,250 starting July 1, and then to $387,500 for all of 2027. Translation?
The Gamecocks are protecting their investment, especially in the critical early months of the offseason when coaching movement tends to spike.
Meanwhile, Torrian Gray is not just sticking around - he’s leveling up. The longtime defensive backs coach is now officially the assistant football coach and co-defensive coordinator, a title that reflects his growing influence within the staff. His salary is jumping from $850,000 to a cool $1 million annually, with the deal running through the end of 2027.
Gray, who joined the program in 2021, has been a steady presence in the secondary and a respected voice in the locker room. With this new title, he steps further into a leadership role on the defensive side of the ball.
And like Barnes, his contract includes some notable buyout terms: If he leaves between December 26, 2025, and June 30, 2026, he’ll owe the university $2 million. That figure drops to $500,000 for the remainder of 2026 and then to $300,000 in 2027.
These moves are more than just paperwork - they’re strategic. South Carolina is putting real money behind its defensive identity, investing in coaches who are expected to be cornerstones of the program’s next chapter. With Barnes bringing fresh energy to the front seven and Gray stepping into a larger role, the Gamecocks are making it clear: stability and leadership on defense are non-negotiables as they push forward.