University of South Carolina Head Football Coach Shane Beamer has been honored as the Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year and is now a finalist for the prestigious Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award, as announced today. Beamer is among eight coaches in the running for this national award, which recognizes coaches who demonstrate exceptional leadership, grit, integrity, and a positive impact on both athletes and fans.
The Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award is unique, as it is the only coaching honor presented after the National Champion is crowned. The winner and finalists are selected by the National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards’ Executive Leadership Team, and the Bryant Family.
The finalists for the 2024 Coach of the Year Award, listed alphabetically, are:
- Shane Beamer, University of South Carolina (Bear Bryant Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year)
- Curt Cignetti, University of Indiana (Bear Bryant Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year)
- Spencer Danielson, Boise State University
- Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State University (Bear Bryant Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year)
- Marcus Freeman, University of Notre Dame
- Rhett Lashlee, Southern Methodist University (Bear Bryant Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year)
- Jeff Monken, United States Military Academy (Bear Bryant Group of Five Coach of the Year)
- Steve Sarkisian, University of Texas
Coach Beamer’s 2024 squad marked a historic achievement, securing nine regular season wins, a feat accomplished only five times in the program’s history. This year also saw the Gamecocks record a school-record four wins against ranked opponents, including three in consecutive weeks, ending the regular season on a six-game winning streak. For his success, Beamer was named Bobby Dodd National Coach of the Week for the third time in his career after the Gamecocks’ upset victory over Texas A&M. Additionally, Beamer was named SEC Coach of the Year by AP and USA TODAY, and was a finalist for several other prestigious awards, including the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award.
As the Gamecocks finish the season with their highest ranking since 2013, Beamer now holds more wins (29) through his first four seasons than any other coach in school history, surpassing even the legendary Steve Spurrier.
Under Beamer’s leadership, several players also received high honors. Edge rusher Kyle Kennard became the school’s first Bronco Nagurski Award winner, recognizing him as the nation’s top defensive player, and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Kennard, along with safety Nick Emmanwori, earned first-team All-America honors, and punter Kai Kroeger was a second-team selection. Freshmen Dylan Stewart and Josiah Thompson were named True Freshman All-Americans, while quarterback LaNorris Sellers was named SEC Freshman of the Year.
The winner of the 2024 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award will be revealed on January 22, 2025, during a live ceremony at Houston’s Post Oak Hotel, broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
This esteemed award, now in its 39th year, is jointly presented by the American Heart Association, a leading health organization committed to longer, healthier lives, and the Bryant family. It not only honors Coach Bear Bryant’s legacy but also raises awareness and funds for critical scientific research to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke, which remain the leading causes of death worldwide. Coach Bryant tragically passed away from a heart attack in 1983.
In addition to the announcement of the 2024 Coach of the Year finalists, two other coaching legends will be recognized at the event. Grant Teaff, former Baylor University head coach and executive director of the American Football Coaches Association, will receive the 2025 Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Memorial Hermann Health System. Former University of Georgia and University of Miami head coach Mark Richt will be honored with the 2025 Heart of a Champion Award, presented by St. Luke’s Health.
The Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards ceremony continues to be supported by Marathon Oil Corporation, an independent exploration and production company based in Houston, which has served as the event’s presenting sponsor for over a decade, underscoring its commitment to health and wellness in the communities where it operates.
