Dabo Swinney Makes Changes to Clemson Tigers’ Football Coaching Staff: A New Era in College Football
Clemson Tigers’ head coach Dabo Swinney has always been regarded as one of the most successful and consistent leaders in college football. Since taking over as head coach in 2008, Swinney has elevated the program to unprecedented heights, including two national championships, numerous ACC titles, and a reputation as one of the most formidable teams in the nation. However, after a challenging season that saw the Tigers struggle to maintain their elite form, Coach Swinney has made significant changes to his coaching staff, signaling his desire to maintain the program’s success while adapting to new challenges. These adjustments are poised to shape the future of Clemson football as the team looks to return to championship contention.
The Need for Change
The 2024 season was a turning point for Clemson, as the Tigers found themselves out of the College Football Playoff picture for the first time in several years. A series of disappointing losses, including setbacks against key rivals like South Carolina and North Carolina, exposed weaknesses within the team. Although the Tigers’ defense remained strong, their offense, particularly the quarterback play and offensive line performance, was inconsistent. Swinney, who has been known for his loyalty to his staff, recognized that in order to remain competitive with the nation’s elite programs, changes were necessary.
Swinney’s decision to make adjustments to the coaching staff was driven by the need to evolve with the changing landscape of college football. With the introduction of the expanded College Football Playoff and the rise of new powerhouses in the sport, Swinney knew that Clemson could not afford to stand still. The changes he made were aimed at addressing specific areas of concern while retaining the foundation of the program that had led to past success.
Key Coaching Staff Changes
One of the most notable changes to the Clemson coaching staff was the departure of long-time offensive coordinator Tony Elliott. Elliott had been with the program since 2011, and during his tenure, the Tigers enjoyed tremendous offensive success, particularly during their national championship runs in 2016 and 2018. However, after a lackluster performance from the offense in 2024, Swinney made the difficult decision to part ways with Elliott.
To replace Elliott, Swinney turned to a familiar face: Garrett Riley. Riley, who was previously the offensive coordinator at TCU, led the Horned Frogs to an impressive season in 2023, including a trip to the national championship game. Riley’s high-powered offense was known for its explosive plays and creative schemes, which are qualities that Clemson has been missing in recent years. His hire immediately generated excitement among Clemson fans, as Riley’s innovative approach promises to bring a fresh, dynamic element to the Tigers’ offense.
In addition to Riley, Swinney also made changes to the defensive staff. Brent Venables, who had been Clemson’s defensive coordinator for over a decade, left to become the head coach at Oklahoma prior to the 2022 season. While Clemson’s defense has remained solid under Venables’ successors, including Wes Goodwin, Swinney recognized that the Tigers’ defense needed a new voice. To that end, Swinney hired former Miami defensive coordinator Kevin Steele to oversee the defense. Steele is a seasoned veteran who has coached at multiple high-profile programs, and his aggressive, attacking style of defense should complement the Tigers’ physical approach.
Strengthening the Recruiting Effort
As part of his staff changes, Swinney also focused on bolstering the Tigers’ recruiting efforts, an area that had become increasingly important with the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the transfer portal. Swinney has traditionally prided himself on building a program based on high school talent rather than relying on transfers, but the changing landscape of college football has made it essential for coaches to adapt.
To strengthen Clemson’s recruiting efforts, Swinney hired a new recruiting coordinator, former Alabama assistant coach, and recruiting specialist Charlie Harrison. Harrison’s expertise in talent evaluation and his familiarity with the Southeastern recruiting landscape make him an invaluable addition to the Clemson staff. Swinney’s move to bring in Harrison signals his commitment to ensuring that Clemson remains competitive in the ever-evolving world of college football recruiting.
Harrison’s hire also speaks to a broader shift in Swinney’s approach to building a championship-caliber roster. While he has always been known for his development of talent and ability to build a strong team culture, the realities of the transfer portal and NIL incentives now require coaches to be even more strategic in their recruitment efforts. With Harrison’s experience and connections, Clemson is expected to continue attracting top-tier talent, both from high school recruits and potential transfer portal additions.
The Quarterback Position and Offensive Evolution
One of the biggest questions surrounding Clemson football entering 2025 is the quarterback position. After the departure of DJ Uiagalelei, who transferred to Oregon State, the Tigers are in search of a new signal-caller. Swinney’s decision to hire Garrett Riley as the offensive coordinator is directly tied to the belief that the Tigers need a new offensive identity, and a dynamic quarterback will be key to making that transition successful.
Clemson currently has a talented group of quarterbacks on the roster, including Cade Klubnik, who saw action as a freshman in 2024. Klubnik’s development will be critical to the Tigers’ success in 2025, and Riley’s offensive system should allow him to flourish. Riley’s previous work with quarterbacks like Max Duggan at TCU shows that he has the ability to develop and elevate talented quarterbacks, which bodes well for Clemson’s future under center.
Moreover, Riley’s ability to scheme open wide receivers and implement a more balanced, up-tempo offense will alleviate some of the pressure on the quarterback. Clemson’s offense had been criticized for being too predictable in recent seasons, and Riley’s innovative approach is expected to breathe new life into the attack.
Building for the Future
While the immediate focus is on improving Clemson’s performance on the field in 2025, Swinney’s changes to the coaching staff are also part of a long-term vision for the program. The moves he has made reflect his recognition of the need to evolve and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive college football landscape.
One area where Swinney’s changes are expected to have a significant impact is in player development. Swinney has long been lauded for his ability to develop players into NFL-caliber talents, and the new staff members bring a wealth of experience that will only strengthen that focus. Both Riley and Steele have proven track records of developing elite players, and their expertise will be invaluable as they work with Clemson’s talented roster.
Additionally, Swinney’s commitment to maintaining the Tigers’ winning culture remains unwavering. His ability to balance new hires with the program’s existing values—hard work, discipline, and excellence—ensures that Clemson will continue to be a force in college football for years to come. The infusion of new ideas, coupled with the program’s established foundation, makes Clemson a team to watch as they seek to reclaim their spot at the top of the college football world.
