Report: Appalachian State targeting South Carolina offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains as new head coach

Amid an excellent 2024 season, South Carolina could be a victim of its own success. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports that Appalachian State is targeting offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains for its open head coaching position.

According to Thamel, “the deal is not finalized, but it is expected to come together in the near future.”

Dowell Loggains has spent the past two seasons as South Carolina’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, helping turn around that unit.

The Gamecocks currently rank 42nd nationally in scoring offense, averaging 31.6 points per game. They also check in ranked 48th nationally in total offense, averaging 409.3 points per game.

But it’s been the development of redshirt freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers that has been the most impressive.

Sellers has turned into one of the SEC’s best quarterbacks, and he’s coming off arguably his most impressive performance of the season in a big win over Clemson. He ran for 166 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

On the year, South Carolina and Dowell Loggains have made a living relying on Sellers’ dual-threat ability. The talented quarterback has run for 655 yards and seven touchdowns, helping freeze defenses to open more up in the passing game.

And Sellers has been no slouch as a passer under Dowell Loggains, either. He has thrown for 2,274 yards and 17 touchdowns, against seven interceptions.

Appalachian State could certainly do well with the South Carolina offensive coordinator. The Mountaineers job came open after the program parted ways with fifth-year coach Shawn Clark earlier this week.

“I want to thank Shawn for all he has done for the App State football program,” athletics director Doug Gillin said in a statement. “Shawn is a true Mountaineer. He has given his heart and soul to his alma mater. He has navigated numerous challenges in his tenure and done so with class and integrity. This was a difficult decision, but after an evaluation of the program, we decided to make the change now.”

Now it appears Appalachian State is centering on Dowell Loggains as its next coach.