South Carolina coach Matt Lynch is having the most successful start of his coaching career, and he is doing it while holding a singular place in men’s college basketball. Lynch, the head coach of the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie men’s basketball team, is currently the only publicly out gay head coach of a men’s college basketball program in the United States.
Through the opening stretch of the season, USC Salkehatchie has surged to a 12–1 record, marking the strongest start Lynch has had as a head coach. In an interview with Outsports, Lynch described the moment simply. “By far,” he said, when asked if this was the best start of his career. “It’s been a lot of fun. We’re playing really well. It’s a special group.”
Lynch credited the team’s success to chemistry and shared commitment rather than individual stardom. The roster includes players from multiple countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Colombia and Italy. Many are seeking opportunities to advance to four-year college programs, yet Lynch said the group has embraced a collective approach. “All 14 are bought into playing this way and bought into the greater collective goal,” he said in an interview with Outsports. “If you have to sacrifice individual accolades to win as a team, you have to sacrifice individual accolades.”
The fast start builds on a period of sustained success for Lynch and the program. Earlier this year, he was named Region 10 Junior College Coach of the Year, marking his second consecutive season receiving major coaching honors. In the previous year, he led USC Salkehatchie to a conference tournament title and a national tournament appearance after rebuilding a program that had previously gone dormant.
Lynch’s visibility extends beyond wins and losses. He has been named to the Outsports Power 100 twice in the last two years, reflecting his influence as an openly gay leader in a space where LGBTQ+ representation remains rare. While Lynch has said his sexuality has not been a major issue in recruiting or coaching, his presence carries symbolic weight in men’s sports.
This season, Lynch has also been more open about his personal life, including his relationship with his boyfriend, a shift that reflects his comfort being fully visible while coaching. Still, he has emphasized that the focus remains on the court. Every game, he said, matters to his team, though he pointed to upcoming matchups against conference rival Gaston and a potential record-setting win streak as moments to watch.
With an active winning streak and a team playing with confidence and cohesion, Lynch’s season is already drawing attention. For now, he remains focused on his players and the work ahead. “I’m extremely lucky to be their coach,” he said.