Luke Doty Joins South Carolina Coaching Staff, Bringing Versatility and Familiarity to the Sideline
Luke Doty is back in Columbia - but this time, he’s swapping the helmet for a headset.
The former South Carolina quarterback and wide receiver has officially joined Shane Beamer’s coaching staff for the 2026 season, according to reports. Doty, 24, will be working on the defensive side of the ball, specifically with the Gamecocks’ secondary under defensive backs coach Torian Gray.
It’s a fitting next step for a player who’s long been a Swiss Army knife for the Gamecocks. Doty’s six-year playing career in Columbia was defined by his adaptability and team-first mentality. Whether under center or lined up at receiver, he found ways to contribute - and now he’ll be doing the same from the sidelines.
A Career Built on Versatility
Doty’s journey through the South Carolina program was anything but conventional. He played in 47 games over six seasons, a rare stretch of longevity in today’s college football landscape. Initially recruited as a quarterback out of Myrtle Beach High School in the 2020 class, Doty’s athleticism and football IQ allowed him to expand his role when needed.
As a quarterback, he totaled 1,696 passing yards with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions, while also adding 193 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. When injuries and depth chart shifts called for a change, Doty transitioned to wide receiver - and didn’t miss a beat. He hauled in 16 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown, proving he could impact the game from multiple angles.
That kind of versatility doesn’t just disappear when the playing days end. It evolves - and in Doty’s case, it’s now being funneled into coaching.
Bringing Insider Knowledge to the Secondary
What makes Doty’s move to the defensive coaching staff particularly intriguing is his offensive background. Having spent years studying defenses as a quarterback and finding soft spots as a receiver, he brings a unique perspective to the secondary room.
He knows how quarterbacks read coverages. He understands route concepts from a receiver’s point of view.
That’s not just useful - that’s valuable.
Working alongside veteran defensive backs coach Torian Gray, Doty is stepping into a role that allows him to grow as a coach while also helping the Gamecocks gain an edge in preparation and film study. It’s not every day you get a coach who’s played both skill positions on offense and now helps mold the defense tasked with stopping them.
A Homegrown Talent Staying Home
Doty’s return to Columbia is more than just a coaching hire - it’s a continuation of a story that began in the Palmetto State. A Myrtle Beach native, he chose South Carolina out of high school and never looked back. Through position changes, injuries, and coaching transitions, Doty remained a steady presence in the program.
Now, he’s giving back to the same team that shaped his college football journey. And for a Gamecocks program that values continuity and culture, having a former player like Doty on staff is a win on multiple levels.
He knows the locker room. He knows the expectations. And he knows what it takes to wear the garnet and black.
Looking Ahead
Doty’s coaching career is just beginning, but his foundation is strong. He’s walked the walk - now he’ll talk the talk, guiding the next generation of Gamecocks from the sideline. And while his official role may be on defense, don’t be surprised if his offensive insights quietly help South Carolina in more ways than one.
For a program looking to climb in the SEC, having someone like Doty in the building - someone who’s lived it, breathed it, and now teaches it - can only help.