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South Carolina’s Shane Beamer Named SEC Coach of the Year, Finalist for Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award

Columbia, S.C., — University of South Carolina head football coach Shane Beamer has been honored as the Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year and named one of eight finalists for the prestigious 2024 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award, according to an announcement on Monday.

The Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award, presented annually by the American Heart Association and the Bryant family, recognizes a college football coach who exemplifies excellence, integrity, and dedication on and off the field. Unlike other coaching honors, this award is presented after the national champion has been crowned, making it a true reflection of a coach’s impact throughout the season. Finalists and the winner are selected by members of the National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards’ Executive Leadership Team, and the Bryant Family.

The 2024 finalists for the award include:

Shane Beamer, University of South Carolina (SEC Coach of the Year)
Curt Cignetti, University of Indiana (Big Ten Coach of the Year)
Spencer Danielson, Boise State University
Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State University (Big 12 Coach of the Year)
Marcus Freeman, University of Notre Dame
Rhett Lashlee, Southern Methodist University (ACC Coach of the Year)
Jeff Monken, United States Military Academy (Group of Five Coach of the Year)
Steve Sarkisian, University of Texas

Beamer’s Historic 2024 Season

Coach Shane Beamer’s 2024 campaign was one for the record books, as the Gamecocks achieved nine regular-season victories—only the fifth time in school history. Beamer’s squad posted a program-best four wins against ranked opponents, including three consecutive victories to close out the regular season with a six-game winning streak.

The Gamecocks’ triumph over Texas A&M earned Shane Beamer his third career Bobby Dodd National Coach of the Week honor. He also received SEC Coach of the Year accolades from both the Associated Press and USA TODAY. Beamer was named a semifinalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award and a finalist for the Bobby Dodd and George Munger National Coach of the Year honors. Beamer’s 29 wins through his first four seasons surpass any other coach in South Carolina history, including legendary coach Steve Spurrier.

On the individual side, edge rusher Kyle Kennard became the first Gamecock to win the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s best defensive player. Kennard was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and earned first-team All-America honors alongside safety Nick Emmanwori. Punter Kai Kroeger was a second-team All-America selection, while edge rusher Dylan Stewart and offensive tackle Josiah Thompson were named True Freshman All-Americans. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers capped off the honors as the SEC Freshman of the Year.

Paul “Bear” Bryant Award Ceremony Details

The 2024 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year winner will be announced during a live ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at Houston’s Post Oak Hotel. The event, presented by Marathon Oil, will air on CBS Sports Network and raise funds for heart disease and stroke research, continuing the legacy of the late Coach Bryant, who passed away from a heart attack in 1983.

In addition to the Coach of the Year Award, two special honors will be presented:

Grant Teaff, former Baylor University head coach, will receive the Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mark Richt, former head coach at the University of Georgia and the University of Miami, will be honored with the Heart of a Champion Award.

Marathon Oil, a longstanding sponsor of the awards, has supported the Bryant Awards for over a decade. The company remains committed to health and wellness initiatives in the communities where it operates. Fans can follow updates on social media via @BryantAwards or by using the hashtag #BryantAwards. For more information or to attend the exclusive VIP event, visit bryantawards.org.