South Carolina expected to hire offensive line coach Randy Clements
South Carolina Bolsters Offensive Line with TCU’s Randy Clements
COLUMBIA, SC – In a move signaling a significant overhaul of its offensive coaching staff, the University of South Carolina football program is set to add veteran offensive line coach Randy Clements, currently an assistant at TCU, sources confirm. The anticipated hire, first reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, comes as head coach Shane Beamer seeks to revitalize a unit that struggled at times during the recently concluded season.
A Proven Track Record in the Trenches
Clements brings with him a wealth of experience, spanning nearly four decades in college football. While currently serving as an assistant offensive line coach with the Horned Frogs, his resume boasts tenures at prominent programs like North Carolina, Houston, Baylor, Florida State, and Ole Miss. He began his coaching career in 1986 at Stephen F. Austin, steadily building a reputation for developing strong, technically sound offensive linemen.
His most impactful stretch came during a decade-long run (2010-2020) where he coached offensive lines that consistently ranked among the nation’s elite. Notably, Clements guided Baylor’s offensive line to three consecutive top-13 national rankings from 2013-2015. This success isn’t just about raw power; it’s about intelligent schemes and meticulous coaching.
During his two seasons at North Carolina, Clements quickly made an impact. In 2023, three Tar Heel offensive linemen earned All-ACC honors, contributing to a rushing attack that averaged 192.1 yards per game – 19th best in the nation – and a total offense that ranked seventh nationally at 491.2 yards per game. He continued that success in 2024, with two more linemen recognized by the conference, including first-team selection Willie Lampkin.
Filling the Void Left by Teasley and Elliott
Clements’ arrival fills a critical vacancy created by the October firing of Lonnie Teasley, who had been with the Gamecocks since Beamer took the helm. Following Teasley’s dismissal, Shawn Elliott transitioned from his role as tight ends coach to temporarily oversee the offensive line. Elliott is now expected to return to his previous position, creating another coaching slot to fill.
The coaching carousel doesn’t stop there. South Carolina is also reportedly on the verge of finalizing a deal with TCU offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kendal Briles to assume the same role in Columbia. This pairing of Clements and Briles suggests a concerted effort to inject new energy and expertise into the Gamecocks’ offense.
The State of the Offensive Line Room
Despite the coaching changes, the Gamecocks’ offensive line room appears relatively stable in terms of personnel. The team is slated to lose only one scholarship offensive lineman to graduation, though one player has indicated his intention to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. A dozen scholarship offensive linemen are currently eligible to return for the 2026 season, providing a foundation for Clements to build upon.
However, simply having bodies isn’t enough. Developing those players – refining their technique, building their strength, and fostering a cohesive unit – is where Clements’ expertise will be crucial. The offensive line is the engine of any successful running game, and a strong line also provides vital protection for the quarterback.
A Wider Trend: Offensive Line Investment in College Football
South Carolina’s investment in its offensive line coaching staff reflects a broader trend in college football. As the game has evolved, with offenses becoming increasingly sophisticated and reliant on both the run and the pass, the importance of a dominant offensive line has only grown.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for coaches and scouts is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increasing participation in sports and a greater emphasis on specialized coaching.
“The offensive line is often the most overlooked position in football, but it’s arguably the most important,” says former NFL offensive lineman and current analyst, Brian Baldinger. “You can have a great quarterback and talented receivers, but if you don’t have an offensive line that can protect the quarterback and create running lanes, you’re not going to win consistently.”
Beamer’s decision to bring in Clements, alongside the anticipated arrival of Briles, signals a clear commitment to improving the Gamecocks’ offensive performance. With three coaching spots still to fill, the coming weeks will be critical as Beamer finalizes his staff and prepares for the 2025 season. The success of these hires will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining South Carolina’s trajectory in the competitive landscape of the Southeastern Conference.
The Gamecocks have yet to make any official announcements regarding these coaching changes, but the pieces are falling into place for a potentially transformative offseason in Columbia.
ARTICOL ORIGINAL:
The next piece of the South Carolina football staff is reportedly in place. Veteran offensive line coach Randy Clements, currently at TCU, will join head coach Shane Beamer’s coaching staff for the 2026 season. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz was first to report the news.
Clements is currently the assistant offensive line coach for the Horned Frogs and is on the coaching staff with offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, who is reportedly nearing a deal to become the Gamecocks’ next offensive coordinator.
While he’s only an assistant offensive line coach this season, Clements has a long history coaching major programs in college football. Prior to his time at TCU, he was the offensive line coach at North Carolina for two seasons. He also had stints with Houston, Baylor, Florida State and Ole Miss in his coaching career, which began in 1986 at Stephen F. Austin.
From 2010-2020, Clements was the offensive line coach for nine offenses that ranked in the top 13 nationally, which included three straight at Baylor from 2013-15.
In his first year with the Tar Heels, three offensive linemen earned All-ACC honors on a team that put up 192.1 yards rushing, which ranked 19th nationally. The 491.2 yards per game that year ranked seventh nationally. Two offensive linemen earned All-ACC honors in 2024, including first-teamer Willie Lampkin.
Clements will take the spot of former offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley, who was fired on Oct. 12, on the Gamecocks’ coaching staff. Teasley was with the program since the beginning of the Beamer era.
Once Teasley was fired, Shawn Elliott left his tight end coaching role and took over the offensive line. Elliott could return to the tight end coaching role.
The Gamecocks will lose just one scholarship offensive lineman to graduation, but one has already announced his intention to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. There are a dozen scholarship offensive linemen who have the opportunity to return for the 2026 season.
South Carolina has yet to officially announce the hire of any new coaches this offseason, so Beamer has three spots on his staff to fill. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mike Shula along with offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley were both fired during the season.
The Gamecocks are reportedly nearing a deal with TCU offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kendal Briles for the same position.