South Carolina needs to search for a new head coach after parting ways with Paul Mainieri midway through the 2026 season. Mainieri led South Carolina to one of the worst campaigns in recent program history. They finished the 2026 season with a 22-35 overall record and a 7-23 record in the SEC.
The program has recently also fired interim coach Monte Lee and pitching coach Terry Rooney. The Gamecocks are looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament after missing out for two years in a row.
Let’s take a look at some of the candidates who could replace Mainieri as the head coach of the Gamecocks.
Top Candidates to Replace Paul Mainieri at South Carolina
1. Kevin Schnall (Coastal Carolina Head Coach)
Kevin Schnall of Coastal Carolina is reportedly the frontrunner for the job. D1Baseball’s Kendall Rogers suggested the same. Athletic director Jeremiah Donati is taking a patient approach as many coaches are busy in the NCAA Tournament.
Schnall has a solid case to become the next Gamecocks coach because of his strong recruiting ties in the Carolinas. However, it might prove to be difficult to pull Schnall away from his alma mater.
2. Steve Sabins (West Virginia Head Coach)
If things don’t work out with Schnall, there’s always a backup for South Carolina in the form of Steve Sabins. His success at West Virginia, coupled with player development, makes him a good fit for the Gamecocks. Donati has reportedly kept an eye on him during the Mountaineers rise in NCAA regional play.
3. Nolan Cain (Texas Associate Head Coach)
Another option could be Nolan Cain. Though he is an assistant coach, his recruiting prowess and strong SEC background make him a good consideration. During his time with LSU and Texas A&M, he has converted them into powerhouse programs.
4. Christian Ostrander (Southern Miss Head Coach)
Christian Ostrander may be another name to ponder, even though he is massively underrated. The head coach has built Southern Miss into a highly competitive program. Moreover, he is familiar with recruiting in the Southeast.
5. Landon Powell (North Greenville Head Coach)
Landon Powell is a former Gamecock star and College World Series participant. He has enjoyed a good time with North Greenville so far, including a Division II national title. His potential hiring would appeal to the fanbase the most.
One more notable mention is TCU head coach Kirk Saarloos.
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