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| Kevin Schnall becomes the 33rd head baseball coach in Gamecocks history. (University of South Carolina photo) |
As expected, South Carolina announced the hiring of named Kevin Schnall as its next head baseball coach on Wednesday. The announcement came after the hire was approved by the school's Board of Trustees.
Schnall comes to Columbia from Coastal Carolina, where he was a former player and longtime assistant before taking over as head coach prior to the 2025 season. He led the Chanticleers to a 56-13 record and the College World Series last season and a 37-23 record in 2026.
Speculation on a possible replacement after Paul Mainieri was fired in March quickly included Schnall. There were premature reports of his hiring earlier this month, but John Whittle of TheBigSpur.com and others finally confirmed the deal earlier this week.
Several members of Schnall's staff at Coastal - including pitching coach Matt Williams - are expected to join him at USC. Williams was Carolina's pitching coach under Mark Kingston in 2024, but was not retained when Paul Mainieri took over.
South Carolina had a program-worst 22-35 record in 2026, losing its final 13 games. Monte Lee served as interim head coach after Mainier's firing, but he is not being retained.
One of Schnall's challenges will be building a roster. Many Gamecocks players entered the transfer portal, although their return is possible if there is mutual interest. Several members of the 2026 Chanticleers roster have announced intentions to join Schnall in Columbia.
A welcome celebration is planned for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Founders Park.
There was no immediate word on a possible replacement for Schnall at Coastal Carolina. FAn speculation on social media has included current Chants assistants Chad Oxendine and Matt Schilling, as well as North Greenville coach Landon Powell, former Mississippi State coach Chris Lemonis, Troy coach Skylar Meade and former Chanticleer Mike Morrison, among others.
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