Former Alabama head coach Mike Shula, now serving as the offensive coordinator for South Carolina, is set to face the Crimson Tide this Saturday. The matchup comes as Shula navigates criticism from Gamecock fans who have begun to call for his dismissal after a disappointing season thus far.
In his second year at South Carolina, Shula’s offense has struggled significantly, currently ranked 115th in scoring, averaging a modest 297.7 yards per game. This underperformance has been particularly evident following a heavy 26-7 defeat to No. 14 Oklahoma last week, leading to frustrations voiced by fans during the game. In response to the intensifying calls for his job, a group of students was spotted on campus chanting “Fire Shula” on Tuesday.
Despite the mounting scrutiny, head coach Shane Beamer remains supportive of Shula, stating during a Sunday teleconference that Shula is accustomed to the pressures that come with coaching at a high level. Beamer expressed confidence that Shula is focused on his responsibilities and not distracted by external noise, citing his previous experience as head coach at Alabama and the legacy of his father, the renowned coach Don Shula.
During his time at Alabama, Shula faced his share of challenges. His teams never averaged more than 25 points per game, and after a promising start to the 2006 season, the Crimson Tide faltered, losing four out of their last five games. Shula was ultimately not retained following a tough end to his tenure, marked by a disappointing loss in the Iron Bowl, where the team turned the ball over six times despite outgaining their opponent.
Despite these difficulties, Shula’s leadership during a turbulent period for Alabama helped stabilize the program. He guided the team to notable victories, including a Music City Bowl appearance in 2004 and a Cotton Bowl win in 2005. Reflecting on his time at Alabama, Shula noted the resilience of his teams through various adversities.
As he prepares to face his former program, Shula is determined to turn around the struggling Gamecock offense. This pivotal clash between No. 4 Alabama and South Carolina will take place in Columbia, South Carolina, with kickoff at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC. The matchup presents an opportunity for Shula to redeem himself against the school where he laid the groundwork for his coaching career.