COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina head football coach Shane Beamer has been named the Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year and is one of eight finalists for the American Heart Association’s 2024 national Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award, it was announced Wednesday.

The award is given each January to a college football coach for contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field. The award is the only college football coaching honor given after the National Champion has been determined.

The finalists and Coach of the Year recipient are voted on by members of the National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards’ Executive Leadership Team and the Bryant Family. The legendary Bear Bryant won six national championships at Alabama during his 25-year stop in Tuscaloosa.

The finalists and Coach of the Year recipient are voted on by members of the National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards’ Executive Leadership Team and the Bryant Family. The legendary Bear Bryant won six national championships at Alabama during his 25-year stop in Tuscaloosa.