Just In: Ray Tanner Has Made 14 Head Coaching Hires While AD at South Carolina. A closer look
Analyzing Ray Tanner’s 14 Coaching Hires at South Carolina
Ray Tanner, during his 12 years as South Carolina’s athletic director, has made 14 head coaching hires. Although the role of an athletic director encompasses more than just hiring coaches, this aspect tends to be the most visible and scrutinized by fans. As Tanner’s tenure nears its end, the coaches he brought on board will likely become a significant part of his legacy. A former coach himself, Tanner inherited a group of long-standing coaches, made several hires in prominent sports like football and baseball, and is leaving behind a set of newly appointed coaches who are still early in their tenures. Here’s a review of Tanner’s hires as AD:
CHAD HOLBROOK, BASEBALL, 2012
Tanner’s initial major hire was filling his own position as head baseball coach. He promoted Holbrook, his longtime assistant, but the results were disappointing. Holbrook’s first three seasons showed a decline, culminating in a missed tournament in his final year. Although the 2016 team performed well, they didn’t reach the College World Series, and a tumultuous 2017 season led to his departure.
MORITZ MORITZ, BEACH VOLLEYBALL, 2014
Moritz was hired to start South Carolina’s beach volleyball program, and he remains its only coach to date. Under his leadership, the team has achieved a 193-122 record, seven 20-win seasons, and two NCAA Tournament appearances over 11 years.
WILL MUSCHAMP, FOOTBALL, 2015
Muschamp, Tanner’s first football hire, faced skepticism due to his previous tenure at Florida. Initially, Muschamp exceeded expectations and built a competitive team, but his tenure ended poorly with a 6-13 record, plagued by recruiting issues and quarterback problems.
MARK KINGSTON, BASEBALL, 2017
Kingston’s tenure was marked by inconsistencies. His first team performed well, reaching a Super Regional, but subsequent seasons varied, including a particularly disappointing 2019. Although three of his teams made the NCAA Tournament, none seemed close to reaching the College World Series, leading to his dismissal.
TOM MENDOZA, VOLLEYBALL, 2018
Mendoza was brought in to revive a struggling volleyball program. He successfully led the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances and 20-win seasons in his first two years. However, the team has struggled in recent seasons, finishing below .500 in three of the past four years.
SHANE BEAMER, FOOTBALL, 2020
Beamer, who was hired with some external encouragement, had a modest resume but strong connections to the school. His first year included an unexpected bowl appearance, and his second year was satisfactory enough for an extension. However, his third year saw a decline, and his future remains uncertain as his team battles for a postseason spot.
JEFF POPPELL, SWIMMING AND DIVING, 2021
Poppell took over a long-standing program and has had a mixed start. The men’s team has not matched past successes, while the women’s team has remained consistent with top-31 finishes.
TONY ANNAN, MEN’S SOCCER, 2021
Annan, hired after a protracted search, has yet to significantly revitalize the men’s soccer program. His best team had a 6-9-3 record, though the current squad is off to a strong start with a 4-0-2 record.
LAMONT PARIS, BASKETBALL, 2022
Paris was hired following a contentious end to Frank Martin’s tenure. Despite a rocky first year, Paris led the team to one of its best seasons in recent memory and an NCAA Tournament appearance in Year 2.
TIM HALL, TRACK AND FIELD, 2023
Hall, who replaced the legendary Curtis Frye, has had a brief but notable tenure. In his first season, the women’s team achieved high placements in the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships, while the men’s team also showed promising performances.
CAROL GWIN, EQUESTRIAN, 2024
Gwin, who previously had a successful run at SMU, was hired to succeed Boo Major. Her impact will be assessed in the coming seasons.
ROB BRADLEY, MEN’S GOLF, 2024
Bradley’s tenure is very recent, with his only notable result being a third-place finish at the Visit Knoxville Collegiate. He previously enjoyed a successful career at Purdue.
ASHLEY CHASTAIN, SOFTBALL, 2024
Chastain, who took over from longtime coach Beverly Smith, has yet to coach a game but comes with a strong background from her time at Charlotte.
PAUL MAINIERI, BASEBALL, 2024
Mainieri, a high-profile hire from LSU, has not yet begun coaching, so his impact will be evaluated after Tanner’s departure.