The South Carolina Gamecocks have hired their new coach — Oklahoma assistant Shane Beamer, who served on Steve Spurrier’s staffs from 2007 to 2010.

Now, Beamer will be tasked with rebuilding the Gamecock program. It won’t be easy, though, especially with a powerhouse in Clemson looming across the state.

On Monday, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney did offer praise to his rivals, saying he thinks Beamer is a good hire (via 247Sports):

“Well I think they made a good hire,” Swinney said. “I consider Shane to be a good friend. He’s a good person. I’ve known him for a long time. He’s always stayed in touch over the years. He has a sweet wife. Great family guy. Have tons of respect for his entire family. Coach (Frank) Beamer is one of the good guys in this business. Shane, I’ve known for a long time, he was with Woody (McCorvey) at Mississippi State. Just think he’s a really good person. Has obviously been very successful as a football coach. He’s our rival and all that type of stuff, but have a lot of respect for him as a man, father, husband and football coach. I think they hired a good man.”

The Gamecocks have lost 6 straight games to their rivals. Can Beamer change that in the next couple of years? We’ll find out as he puts together his staff and hits the recruiting trails.