Charleston Southern University has announced the addition of Cameron Gardner to its football coaching staff as the new running backs coach. Gardner joins the Buccaneers after spending one season at Drake University, where he contributed to the team’s successful run as 2025 Pioneer League champions and their appearance in the FCS Playoffs.
At Drake, Gardner served on the offensive staff beginning last February, focusing on running backs and returners. Under his guidance, Drake led the Pioneer League in rushing offense and ranked 18th nationally in that category. During his tenure, he coached Nick Herman, who achieved several honors including a spot on the Freshman All-American Team, being a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, and earning First-Team All-Pioneer League recognition. Herman recorded 144 carries for 1,034 yards and six touchdowns during the season. His average of 7.13 yards per carry was highest in the league and fourth nationally; his total rushing yards also led the league and placed him among the top 20 in FCS.
“Thank you to Charleston Southern University, its administrators and Coach Giardina for this opportunity,” said Gardner. “I am excited to join the family and get to work!”
Before his time at Drake, Gardner worked with Montana State during the 2024 season as an offensive analyst with responsibilities for wide receivers. That year, Montana State won the Big Sky conference title and finished as national runners-up after competing in the championship game.
Gardner began his collegiate playing career at the University of Utah in 2019 as a wide receiver and returner before transferring to Montana State for the 2021 season. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science from California State University, Chico.
