South Carolina Fires Running Backs Coach as Beamer Reshapes Staff

South Carolina football concluded the 2025 season with a 4-8 overall record and a 1-7 mark in SEC play, leaving head coach Shane Beamer under pressure to deliver a turnaround in 2026. Beamer has promised improvement but has also made significant staffing changes to facilitate that rebound.

The latest move involves the firing of running backs coach Marquel Blackwell, as reported by Chris Clark of Gamecock Central. Blackwell becomes the third offensive assistant dismissed by Beamer this season, following offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley in mid-October and offensive coordinator Mike Shula in early November.

Blackwell had completed his second season coaching South Carolina’s running backs. His first year brought notable success, with the Gamecocks averaging 184.4 rushing yards per game in 2024, ranking fourth in the SEC. However, the running game regressed sharply in 2025, averaging only 111.1 yards per game, second-worst in the conference and 118th nationally.

The lack of consistent production in the backfield contributed to the staff shakeup. Beamer appears determined to rebuild his offensive staff to regain competitiveness in the SEC and avoid prolonged struggles in future seasons.

1. Running Game Struggles

South Carolina’s running attack never found stability in 2025. Senior Rahsul Faison led the team with 470 yards and three touchdowns on 96 carries, while quarterback LaNorris Sellers added 270 rushing yards, highlighting the team’s reliance on inconsistent options. The drop-off from 2024 was stark. Sellers alone ran for 684 yards and seven touchdowns the previous year, illustrating the decline in productivity that contributed to the coaching changes. The overall inefficiency in the backfield hampered the team’s offensive balance, placing additional pressure on the passing game. Analysts noted that South Carolina struggled to establish a physical presence at the line of scrimmage, with poor run blocking and inconsistent execution. These challenges compounded the performance issues, resulting in a season far below expectations. Beamer’s decision to part ways with Blackwell signals a commitment to reshaping the offensive identity and addressing the persistent deficiencies in the running game.

2. Marquel Blackwell’s Career

Blackwell began his coaching career following the conclusion of his playing career in 2006. He initially worked at the high school level before joining South Florida in 2009, his alma mater, as a position coach. Over the years, Blackwell held roles at multiple programs, including Western Kentucky, Florida, Toledo, West Virginia, Houston, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M. While primarily a running backs coach, he briefly served as co-offensive coordinator at Houston before returning to a positional role. At South Carolina, Blackwell was tasked with revitalizing a traditionally strong running game, a responsibility he accomplished in 2024 but failed to sustain the following year. Despite his prior successes, the decline in production ultimately led to his dismissal. His career trajectory illustrates the volatility of coaching positions in the SEC, where performance is scrutinized heavily and short-term results often dictate job security.

3. Beamer’s Staff Overhaul

Beamer has not faced termination despite the poor season, but he recognizes the need for changes to secure the program’s future. By making three offensive staff changes in 2025, he is signaling a willingness to adapt and hold his staff accountable for on-field results. The offensive overhaul aims to stabilize the running game while also improving the passing attack and overall offensive efficiency. Beamer has emphasized recruiting and coaching adjustments as key priorities heading into 2026. The head coach’s moves reflect a broader strategy to rebuild confidence among players, fans, and boosters, while also creating a staff capable of competing in the SEC’s challenging environment. Beamer’s decision to act decisively underscores the high stakes in SEC football, where programs demand immediate improvement and sustained competitiveness.