Social Media Reacts to Paul Mainieri Hiring For South Carolina Gamecocks

It didn't take long following the South Carolina Gamecocks exit in the baseball regionals for Atheltic Director Ray Tanner to make the decision to move on from then head coach Mark Kingston. After all, who would know the Gamecocks' baseball standard better than the man who created himself in Ray Tanner?
It also probably didn't come to a surprise to many that Tanner was ultimately able to talk one of the sport's most decorated head coaches out of retirement. After four seasons away from the game of College Baseball, former LSU head coach and national championship head coach Paul Mainieri.
Social Media had quite a time reacting to the news:
I went to the future and found this 100% real not edited photo of Paul Mainieri winning a natty as head coach of the Gamecocks!
— Sin (@Sinderella_SC) June 13, 2024
Pauly gonna win a natty! pic.twitter.com/6FJodBRwG1
The standard for South Carolina baseball is a known thing. College World Series or bust. That's the standard Ray Tanner set for one of the sport's premier programs, and that's a standard that Mainieri is akinly aware of and aiming for.
Statement from Paul Mainieri, via the university.
— Alan Cole (@Alan__Cole) June 11, 2024
"Let's get this University of South Carolina program back where it belongs -- in Omaha and in the College World Series." pic.twitter.com/tgIfGh7IQo
It's a new day and age of college baseball since Mainieri retired back in 2021. Rosters are now bolstered by transfer portal acquisitions and NIL based recruitments. Something that requires a different kind of effort from the head coach. Something that LSU based content creators pointed out.
What May Be The Biggest Issue With Paul Mainieri Going To South Carolina.
— AYS Sports (@AYSSPORTS) June 11, 2024
Full Segment: https://t.co/m5OQWblf1P pic.twitter.com/cYqTcm2DDJ
There's no doubt that South Carolina is spending the resources required to be great at baseball. Their coaching staff would rival some SEC football staffs in terms of salaries.
Head Coach Paul Mainieri:
— Sin (@Sinderella_SC) June 11, 2024
5-year deal, $1.3 mil annually
- Hitting Coach Monte Lee:
3-year deal, $550,000 annually.
- Pitching Coach Terry Rooney:
3-year deal, $425,000 annually.
Big money is being spent to get this historic program back on track! pic.twitter.com/rp1e1wpqFQ
You can see just how much the people around Mainieri think highly of him. Head coach of the LSU Tigers Jay Johnson talked about just how much Mainieri appreicates and covets the relationship with Mainieri.
You Might Also Like:
- South Carolina Baseball Has Two Players Receive Postseason Awards
- South Carolina Set to Host 2025 DB Jahmir Joseph
- South Carolina Secure Commitment from TE Preston Douglas for 2025
Join the community:
- Follow Alex Joyce on X: @AlexJoyceSI
- Follow on Fisher Brewer X: @USCTalk
- Follow Locked On Gamecocks on Youtube or wherever you get your podcasts
You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to follow us on X at @GamecocksDigest and on Facebook!
