Report: Paul Mainieri To Be Retained As South Carolina's Head Coach Following 28-29 Season

It was a disappointing first season for South Carolina head coach Paul Mainieri, but all signs point to his return in 2026.

Mainieri came out of retirement last offseason to lead the Gamecocks but went just 28-29 (6-24 SEC) this year and wrapped up the season on Tuesday with an 11-3 loss to Florida in the first round of the SEC Tournament. Per The State:

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As those losses began to run together, apathy hit Columbia and speculation and debate grew among South Carolina fans of whether or not Mainieri would return.

Following the Gamecocks’ season-ending loss, Mainieri declared there would be no changes to his coaching staff — especially not pitching coach Terry Rooney, who worked under Mainieri at LSU.

“Terry Rooney is here to stay,” Mainieri said. “He’s not going anywhere. He’s an outstanding coach and he’ll prove that as we go forward.”

So will Mainieri, who will have at least another year to right the ship.

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