The South Carolina Gamecocks have officially rounded out their football coaching staff, with head coach Shane Beamer’s final assistant hire getting the green light from the Board of Trustees. That means the full crew is now in place as the program looks to rebound from a tough 4-8 campaign. And while the results on the field weren’t where South Carolina wanted them in 2025, the school is still making a serious financial commitment to its coaching infrastructure.
Let’s break down what that looks like.
Big Picture: $10 Million Investment in the 2026 Staff
For the 2026 season, South Carolina’s assistant coaches will collectively earn $10 million in base salary - and that’s before any performance bonuses are factored in. That’s a significant spend, especially for a team coming off a sub-.500 season. But it’s also a clear sign that the administration is backing Beamer and his vision, giving him the resources to build a staff capable of turning things around.
Most of the assistants have deals that run through the 2027 season, giving the group some continuity heading into what could be a pivotal stretch for the program. A couple of coaches are locked in even longer, while a few are operating on shorter-term deals.
Here’s how the contracts break down, as of December 27, 2025.
Contract Breakdown by Assistant Coach
Jamal Barnes
Barnes is on a two-year deal set to run through the end of 2027.
He’s set to make $675,000 in 2026 and will see a bump to $775,000 in 2027. That kind of year-over-year increase isn’t uncommon, especially for assistants the program sees as rising contributors.
Kendal Briles
Briles is on one of the lengthier and more lucrative contracts on staff - a three-year deal that stretches through 2028.
He’s set to earn $2 million in his first season, followed by $2.1 million and $2.2 million in the subsequent years. That contract reflects both his experience and the expectations that come with his role.
Matt Clements
Clements is on a straightforward two-year contract through 2027, earning $725,000 annually. He’s part of the group of assistants who are locked in for the medium term, giving the staff some stability.
Joe DeCamillis - Associate Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator
DeCamillis brings NFL experience and a veteran presence to the staff.
He’s on a two-year deal through 2027, earning $850,000 per year. Special teams often fly under the radar, but with DeCamillis, the Gamecocks are investing in that third phase of the game.
Stan Drayton
Drayton is on a three-year contract that runs through 2028, earning $775,000 annually. That consistency in pay suggests a solid, steady role on the staff - and likely someone Beamer sees as a key piece moving forward.
Shawn Elliott
Elliott’s two-year deal also runs through 2027, with a salary of $775,000 per year. He’s another veteran voice on the staff, and his contract lines up with the broader structure Beamer has put in place.
Mike Furrey
Furrey is operating on a one-year deal that expires at the end of 2026, earning $650,000. That shorter-term contract could be a trial run or a bridge deal - either way, it’s a chance for Furrey to prove his value in the immediate future.
Torrian Gray
Gray is one of the higher-paid assistants on staff, earning $1 million per year on a two-year deal that runs through 2027. That salary reflects both his experience and the importance of his role, particularly when it comes to player development on the defensive side.
Travian Robertson - Defensive Line
Robertson is on a one-year deal through 2026, earning $550,000. As a former Gamecock himself, Robertson brings a personal connection to the program, and this contract gives him a chance to continue building his coaching résumé.
Clayton White
White is on a two-year deal that runs through 2027.
He’s set to make $2 million in 2026 and $2.1 million in 2027, putting him right near the top of the staff in terms of compensation. His role - and his paycheck - suggest he’s a central figure in the team’s plans moving forward.
What It All Means
The contracts tell a story. Even after a disappointing 4-8 season, South Carolina is doubling down on its staff - not just with hires, but with long-term financial commitments. The $10 million base salary pool for 2026 is a major investment, and it shows that Beamer has the support of the administration as he looks to right the ship.
There’s also a clear structure here: a mix of veteran coaches on multi-year deals, some rising names on shorter contracts, and a few big-money coordinators who will be expected to deliver results quickly. It’s a staff built for both development and recruiting - two areas that will be crucial if the Gamecocks are going to bounce back in the ever-competitive SEC.
Now that the staff is finalized, the next step is execution. The contracts are in place.
The support is there. The challenge now is turning that off-field investment into on-field success.