South Carolina expected to promote Mike Shula to offensive coordinator

South Carolina is expected to make Mike Shula its next offensive coordinator, Gamecock Central reported on Tuesday. He will replace Dowell Loggains, who left this offseason to become the head coach at Appalachian State.

Shula was already on the Gamecocks’ staff this past year as an offensive assistant and worked closely with the quarterback. He helped develop redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers, who had a breakout season to finish with 2,274 yards passing, 655 yards rushing and 24 total touchdowns.

Shula is a former Alabama coach who has also spent extensive time as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in the NFL. He directed the Crimson Tide for four years from 2003-06, leading them to a 26-23 record in that span.

Alabama parted ways with Shula following a 6-6 finish in the 2006 season and would spend the next 17 years in the pros. He worked for the Jaguars, Panthers, Giants, Broncos and, most recently, Bills.

Shula was the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers during the MVP season for quarterback Cam Newton in 2015. The team also made an appearance in the Super Bowl that season but lost against the Denver Broncos.

Shula is an former Alabama quarterback who played at the school from 1984-86. He later began his coaching career just two years later as an offensive assistant for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1988.

Shula’s extensive experience in the NFL should come in handy as the college game gets closer and closer to resembling the pros. His proven track record with quarterbacks and experience working with Sellers also likely played a factor into the decision from the Gamecocks.

South Carolina is coming off of a 9-3 finish this past season and narrowly missed out on the College Football Playoff. As they gear up for another run, they’ll do so with confidence knowing Shula is running the offense.

The Gamecocks still have a bowl game to play this year against Illinois, which will be Shula’s first shot at calling plays.