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Kevin Schnall is the head baseball coach at Coastal Carolina University. Recent reports confirm that he’s been in talks with the University of South Carolina.
He is the frontrunner to land the Gamecocks‘ coaching gig. He has not informed his current employer of any plans to leave.
The current timing of the conversations has created poor optics.
Kevin Schnall is a Chanticleer.
The baseball coach is a graduate of Coastal Carolina. He’s been leading the Chants on the diamond since 2025.
In his first year at the helm, the program reached the College World Series Finals, losing to LSU in the championship round. He again made the NCAA Tournament in 2026 but fell in the regionals.
Schnall’s name has been connected with South Carolina since the Gamecocks fired Paul Mainieri in March. He is believed to be target No. 1.
With that being said, the Chanticleers are confident they can keep him put. AD Chance Miller said the following on Thursday morning about his head coach.
“I can tell you this I’m not planning on Kevin Schnall leaving, I’m planning on Kevin Schnall being the coach for a long time” – CCU AD Chance Miller in the our conversation today.
— Gianna Forbis TV (@giannaforbistv) June 4, 2026
Miller has spoken with Schnall about the future. The AD’s been led to believe that his head coach intends to stay in Conway.
Schnall is supposedly in the midst of roster management. He told his athletic director that he plans to build a competitive lineup at Coastal Carolina with the goal of returning to Omaha.
Just talked with CCU Athletic Director Chance Miller about Kevin Schnall.
He said as of this morning they were talking about how they were going to build the roster for next year and get back to Omaha.
— Gianna Forbis TV (@giannaforbistv) June 4, 2026
That would make Gamecocks radio personality Wil Gunter’s assertion that exit interviews were conducted this week credible.
Schnall is said to have met with Chanticleer baseball players to discuss the future. If his plan is to continue leading the program, that means convincing his top players to stick around while providing options for those looking to transfer.
NIL negotiations will be discussed.
Just to join the “sources,” Twitter parade and not be left out, I am told South Carolina baseball coaching target Kevin Schnall has been in Conway today holding season ending exit meetings with his players. How that relates to any meetings with South Carolina, I have no idea.
— Wil Gunter (@WilGunter) June 3, 2026
Given the interest received from South Carolina, though, those conversations have created speculation. Is he deceiving his employer?
South Carolina talks heat up.
While Schnall has revealed his desire to build on the foundation set at Coastal Carolina, he is also listening to what the Gamecocks have to say.
The Post and Courier reported that he spoke to South Carolina officials on Wednesday. He plans to do so again on Thursday. We do not know what’s been discussed in those conversations.
There are perks and drawbacks of moving on.
South Carolina was the top dog of college baseball not so long ago. The Gamecocks appeared in three straight CWS Finals between 2010-2012. They won two national titles.
Currently, the program is in shambles. They’ve missed the NCAA Tournament two years in a row. They finished next to last in the SEC this past season.
Still, the brand is strong, and the sport is important to the university. The next coach will be paid handsomely if Mainieri’s $1.3 million salary is any indication.
Kevin Schnall has been targeted as the man to lead a turnaround. He will need talent to achieve that feat. That’s where those exit interviews at Coastal Carolina come back into play.
Per Allen Smothers at 96.3 ESPN Radio in Florence and his sources: CCU HC Kevin Schnall is expected to be announced as the new head coach at USC. The announcement is expected shortly.
— SportsTalk Media Network (@SCSportsNow) June 3, 2026
Allen Smothers of ESPN Radio Florence says Schnall to South Carolina is a done deal. If he has made his mind up, it paints a picture of potential duplicity.
Has he informed players of his intentions to leave? If so, is he recruiting top producers to join him?
We’ve seen similar scenarios play out in the past. Lane Kiffin, for example, brought players with him to LSU following a messy breakup with Ole Miss. Tampering accusations were made by his replacement, Pete Golding.
At this time, we do not know where Schnall’s head is at. Each update on the job search seems to contradict the last.
There are motives to stay. The path to the postseason might be easier with the Chanticleers at this moment in time. He’s proven the ability to succeed at the highest level.
With that said, he will receive a raise to leave. He will also get the opportunity to coach in the SEC with one of the sport’s top brands.
It’s also worth noting that the Gamecocks would owe $600,000 to the Chants should Schnall leave before the end of the month. While it probably isn’t a make-or-break factor, it provides another wrinkle.
For now, we know two things.
Schnall has told Coastal Carolina he plans to stay. He is also actively meeting with South Carolina. What happens next will either make him a hero or villain in Conway.