The South Carolina Gamecocks have made a strategic move by bringing in NFL veteran Matthew Smiley as their new special teams coordinator. Smiley steps in to fill the shoes of Joe DeCamillis, who departed for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Smiley's resume is impressive, boasting over a decade of NFL experience, including a stint as the Buffalo Bills’ special teams coordinator from 2022 to 2024. Before that, he was an integral part of the Bills' coaching staff as the assistant special teams coordinator from 2017 to 2021. With 21 years of coaching experience at both the college and pro levels, including a role as a special teams analyst at Penn State, Smiley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Gamecocks.
The 2026 season presents a challenge for South Carolina’s special teams, as they look to rebuild after losing key players like kicker Alex Herrera, punter/holder Kai Kroeger, and long snapper Hunter Rogers. Smiley’s task will be to mold a new unit capable of maintaining the high standards expected at South Carolina.
This hire is part of a broader overhaul by head coach Shane Beamer, who has now replaced eight assistants from the 2025 staff. Alongside DeCamillis' departure, defensive line coach Sterling Lucas has moved on to join Lane Kiffin at LSU.
The Gamecocks have also revamped their offensive and defensive coaching lineup. Kendal Briles steps in as the new offensive coordinator, replacing Mike Shula.
Clayton White and Torrian Gray take on roles as co-defensive coordinators. The team also welcomes Stan Drayton as the running backs coach, Travian Robertson as the defensive line coach, Deion Barnes to handle defensive ends and outside linebackers, Shawn Elliott as the run game coordinator and tight ends coach, and Mike Furrey as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach.
With these changes, South Carolina is poised for an exciting new chapter, blending experienced NFL minds with fresh collegiate talent to craft a competitive edge for the upcoming season.