Columbia, South Carolina, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Shane Beamer, head coach of the University of South Carolina, has fired offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley amid ongoing struggles with the offensive line. Shawn Elliott, the run game coordinator, will take over Teasley’s responsibilities. The Gamecocks have faced significant challenges, including a record of 3-3, allowing 19 sacks this season, and numerous penalties. Teasley was in his third season with the team, and the offensive line’s performance has been a critical concern as they prepare for their next game against the Oklahoma Sooners.
Columbia, South Carolina — Shane Beamer, the head coach of the University of South Carolina, has fired offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley effective immediately. The decision comes as the team grapples with ongoing struggles related to the offensive line, leading to a disappointing season.
Taking over Teasley’s coaching responsibilities will be run game coordinator and tight ends coach Shawn Elliott, who brings with him a wealth of experience in managing offensive lines. This marks a significant shift for the Gamecocks, who currently hold a record of 3-3 overall and 1-3 in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Lonnie Teasley was in his third season as the team’s offensive line coach, having assumed the position full-time on January 6, 2023. Teasley initially joined the South Carolina football program as an offensive analyst in 2021 before transitioning to on-field coaching duties in early 2022 on an interim basis. Despite his efforts, the offensive line endured severe challenges that impacted the team’s performance this season.
Under Elliott, who previously served as South Carolina’s offensive line coach from 2010 to 2015 and under Will Muschamp in 2016, the Gamecocks hope to address the troubling issues affecting their offensive line. Elliott has a track record of success, even serving as the interim head coach during the final six games of the 2015 season. He returned to Columbia in 2024 after a seven-year tenure as head coach at Georgia State.
Currently, the Gamecocks are facing significant difficulties as they prepare to host the Oklahoma Sooners (5-1, 1-1 SEC) on Saturday, October 18 at 12:45 pm ET, a game to be televised on the SEC Network. The ongoing issues with the offensive line have become increasingly concerning; the unit ranks near the bottom in the SEC for both rushing and protecting the quarterback.
This season, South Carolina’s offensive line has given up a total of 19 sacks through six games, a statistic that highlights their struggles. Additionally, the offensive line was penalized with 13 infractions during a single game against LSU, with five of those directly attributed to the offensive line itself. Injuries have compounded the situation, with multiple starters missing games, resulting in a noticeable lack of depth on the line.
In 2023, the offensive line dealt with extensive injuries, which led to inconsistent performances. The highest-ranked USC offensive lineman, Shed Sarratt, received a ranking of No. 218 out of all Division I guards, according to Pro Football Focus. This ranking further illustrates the ongoing challenges faced by the unit, which has played a significant role in South Carolina’s current 3-3 record and overall disappointing start to the season.
This firing marks only the second time Beamer has dismissed an assistant coach since taking over the program in 2021; the first instance was the termination of running backs coach Montario Hardesty after the 2023 season. As Beamer and Elliott look to rectify these pressing issues, the performance of the offensive line will be critical for the Gamecocks as they move forward in the remainder of the season.
Key Features of the Firing of Lonnie Teasley
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coach Fired | Lonnie Teasley |
| New Coach | Shawn Elliott |
| Teasley’s Tenure | Third season as offensive line coach |
| Record of South Carolina | 3-3 overall, 1-3 SEC |
| Upcoming Game | Against Oklahoma Sooners |
| Sacks Allowed | 19 in 6 games |
| Penalties Against Offensive Line | 13 in a game against LSU |
| Previous Ranking | Shed Sarratt ranked No. 218 among Division I guards |
FAQ Section
Why was Lonnie Teasley fired?
Shane Beamer, the head coach of the University of South Carolina, has fired offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley effective immediately due to ongoing issues with the offensive line, which ranks near the bottom in the SEC for both rushing and protecting the quarterback.
Who is taking over coaching responsibilities for the offensive line?
Run game coordinator and tight ends coach Shawn Elliott will take over the offensive line coaching responsibilities.
What was Teasley’s background with the South Carolina football program?
Teasley was in his third season as USC’s offensive line coach, having taken over the role full-time on January 6, 2023. He joined the South Carolina football program as an offensive analyst in 2021 before stepping into on-field coaching duties in early 2022 on an interim basis.
What is South Carolina’s current record?
Currently, the Gamecocks have a record of 3-3 overall and 1-3 in the SEC.
Who will South Carolina play next?
They are scheduled to host the Oklahoma Sooners (5-1, 1-1 SEC) on Saturday, October 18 at 12:45 pm ET, which will be televised on the SEC Network.
What struggles has the offensive line faced this season?
South Carolina’s offensive line has given up a total of 19 sacks through six games this season and had 13 penalties in a game against LSU, with five directly attributed to the O-line. Injuries have also plagued the offensive line, resulting in a lack of depth.
How has South Carolina’s offensive line ranked?
Pro Football Focus rankings showed that the highest-ranked USC offensive lineman, Shed Sarratt, ranked No. 218 out of all Division I guards.
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Additional Resources
- Gamecocks Official Site
- The State
- Greenville Online
- Sports Illustrated
- Garnet and Cocky
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks Football
- Google Search: South Carolina Football
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Football Coaching
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Google News: South Carolina Football
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