Shane Beamer’s first coaching staff at South Carolina is taking shape as the school has announced seven of his assistants. The group is made up of four retained assistants and three new hires.

Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Mike Bobo, running backs coach Des Kitchings, defensive line coach Tracy Rocker and outside linebackers coach Mike Peterson are the four assistants from the Will Muschamp staff being retained by Beamer. The first-head coach is bringing in Will Friend, who was named the offensive line coach, former Gamecock quarterback Erik Kimrey, who will serve as the tight ends coach, and Pete Lembo, who will be the Gamecocks’ associate head coach/special teams coordinator.

“I am excited about the quality of coaches that this staff has,” Beamer said via the program’s announcement. “I am looking for coaches who teach and connect with our players, who have boundless energy to recruit young men to our outstanding University and program, and who do it the right way.

“One of the first things I did when I was hired was visit with the coaching staff already in place from the 2020 season,” Beamer continued. “After much thought and many conversations with the players on our team, I knew that Coach Bobo, Coach Kitchings, Coach Peterson and Coach Rocker would be excellent additions to this new staff and needed to stay here in Columbia. All four have had great coaching careers and have a knowledge of what it takes to compete in the Southeastern Conference. I would also like to thank Coach Bobo for taking the reigns as the interim head coach late this season. He did an outstanding job leading the team on and off the field.”

Connor Shaw, who served as Director of Player Development and then briefly stepped into the quarterbacks coach role under interim head coach Mike Bobo, will also stay on with Beamer.

“I am also excited to have Connor remain on our staff in a more expanded role on the football side of the things,” Beamer said. “He loves this school and this program. Connor is committed to helping our players succeed and reach their full potential.”

Friend comes from Tennessee and has prior experience working with Bobo.

“Will has had a history of developing excellent offensive linemen during his coaching career,” Beamer said. “He knows what it takes to compete in the SEC and brings a drive and energy that we want on our staff.”

Kimrey comes from the high school ranks for his first college coaching gig.

“Erik is a Gamecock,” Beamer said. “He is the kind of person and coach who I want on our staff. Not only does he have an astute offensive football mind, he connects well with his players and cares about their progress in every phase of their life. It’s extremely important to have former players on this staff and around this football program. We’re not done yet.”

Lembo, known as a “special teams guru,” comes over from Memphis.

“Pete brings a tremendous amount of experience to our staff, has coached on many levels and has been a head coach,” Beamer said. “His football IQ is outstanding, especially in special teams. He was a successful head coach and as a special teams coordinator, his units contributed greatly to the team’s overall success.”