Gamecocks' Beamer poised to add special teams guru
One of college football's top special teams coaches is on the verge of making his home on Shane Beamer's first-year South Carolina staff.
Sources tell FootballScoop that Pete Lembo, Memphis' current assistant head coach and special teams coordinator, is expected to work out details to join the Gamecocks in a similar capacity.
Earlier this week, Beamer added a pair of key assistants – Will Friend from Tennessee to coach the offensive line and former South Carolina quarterback and well-regarded in-state prep coach Erik Kimrey as tight ends coach.
Once the deal is finalized, Beamer will be getting a savvy, veteran confidante with 10 years' head coaching experience and 15 consecutive years as a head coach or assistant head coach at both the FBS and FCS levels. Lembo generated a 112-65 overall ledger as a head coach.
A former Broyles Award finalist, given annually to the nation's top assistant coach, Lembo also has been a FootballScoop finalist for Special Teams Coordinator of the Year. His teams' units have been among the nation's best in net punting yardage, kickoff coverage and a bevy of additional categories.
Beamer's still got some key openings on his staff, most notably defensive coordinator and a couple key offensive spots. Mike Bobo served as offensive coordinator and interim coach this season for the Gamecocks, and Bobo has one year remaining on his deal. Bobo's expected to be retained, as is highly regarded running backs coach Des Kitchings – who owns tons of recruiting experience and connections in the Carolinas after a playing career at Furman and a distinguished stint at North Carolina State.
On the defensive side of the ball, sources at South Carolina indicate Tracy Rocker and Mike Peterson, who coach the defensive line and outside linebackers, respectively, also are expected to be retained.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest in coaching news.
