The Shane Beamer era has officially begun in Columbia.

South Carolina on Sunday announced that the Oklahoma associate head coach has been named the head coach of the Gamecocks football program.

Beamer, the son of former Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer, returns to the program he served at as an assistant from 2007-2010. He was hired as the Gamecocks’ cornerbacks coach in 2007 before taking over linebackers and special teams beginning in 2009.

He joined the Sooners’ staff in 2018 following a stop at Virginia Tech under his father and a 2-season stint with Georgia as tight ends and special teams coach.

“I believe that Shane Beamer is the perfect fit to be the head football coach at the University of South Carolina,” South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner said in a statement. “He has worked under some of the greatest coaches in college football and has taken those lessons to become one of the bright, young minds in the game. I believe Shane’s energy, enthusiasm, commitment and fondness for our school and program will be met favorably by our student-athletes, staff and fans.”

Beamer takes over for Will Muschamp, who was fired after a 28-30 mark with the Gamecocks.

“I have been preparing for this moment my entire life,” said Beamer. “I am ready and excited to be the head football coach at the University of South Carolina. I am thankful to all the head coaches that I have worked for, the assistant coaches and student-athletes I have worked with. My family and I are thrilled to be coming back to Columbia and the state of South Carolina.”