Has Clemson Returned? With an Outstanding Defensive Coordinator Target, Dabo Swinney Runs for the Crown

Clemson football has been one of the most prominent and successful programs in the college football landscape over the past decade, but after a slight lull in performance, the question is often asked: Has Clemson returned? With a pivotal offseason ahead, marked by Dabo Swinney’s pursuit of an outstanding defensive coordinator target, the Tigers are preparing to reclaim their position among college football’s elite.

For much of the 2010s, Clemson football was synonymous with dominance. The program became a fixture in the College Football Playoff (CFP), and under head coach Dabo Swinney, the Tigers won two national championships (2016 and 2018). Swinney’s ability to develop players, his recruiting acumen, and the team’s formidable defense were key factors that helped maintain a national presence. However, in recent years, Clemson has faced a few challenges. A combination of roster turnover, offensive struggles, and the rise of other college football powerhouses has made the question of whether the Tigers have returned to their previous heights an important one.

This piece will explore the trajectory of Clemson football, examine the significance of their defensive coordinator search, and evaluate how Swinney’s leadership, combined with an exciting new hire, could lead the Tigers back to the top.

The Rise and Fall of Clemson’s Dominance

To understand whether Clemson has returned, we must first look at the height of its success under Dabo Swinney. From 2011 to 2020, the Tigers were among the most consistent and successful teams in college football. Swinney’s early years were marked by a breakthrough 10-win season in 2011 and a rapid rise to national prominence. In 2015, the Tigers were one of the best teams in the country, earning a berth in the CFP and ultimately losing a heartbreaker to Alabama in the national championship game. The following year, however, was a different story.

In 2016, Clemson reached the pinnacle of college football, capturing its first national championship under Swinney. With a swarming defense and an explosive offense led by quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Tigers dethroned Alabama in an unforgettable national title game. Clemson’s second national championship came in 2018, when they completed a perfect 15-0 season, demolishing Alabama in the championship game by a score of 44-16. This victory cemented Swinney’s place among the elite coaches in college football.

During this period, Clemson was a program that boasted elite recruiting classes, a top-tier defense under the direction of defensive coordinator Brent Venables, and an offensive unit that could go toe-to-toe with any team in the country. The Tigers were a fixture in the CFP, regularly defeating the best teams in the ACC, and often dispatching top programs from the SEC, Big Ten, and Pac-12 in the process.

But as the years passed, Clemson’s hold on the throne began to loosen. While the Tigers were still competitive, the offense struggled to maintain the same level of explosiveness, and other programs began to rise. Teams like Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia gained ground, while Clemson faced increasing competition within its own conference from the likes of North Carolina and, more recently, Florida State.

The Offensive Struggles

One of the primary reasons Clemson’s dominance waned in recent years has been its offensive inconsistency. For years, Clemson relied on Deshaun Watson and later Trevor Lawrence as franchise quarterbacks who could lead the team to victory. However, after Lawrence’s departure to the NFL following the 2020 season, Clemson struggled to find a consistent signal-caller.

DJ Uiagalelei, who was expected to be the heir apparent to Lawrence, never fully lived up to the hype. His inconsistent play and inability to elevate the offense left many questioning whether Clemson had the offensive firepower necessary to compete at the highest level. While the Tigers’ defense remained stout under the leadership of Brent Venables, the lack of an explosive offense placed additional pressure on the defense, ultimately leading to struggles in high-stakes games.

Clemson’s struggles on offense were further exacerbated by a decline in their offensive line play, which had been a key strength of the program during their championship runs. In recent seasons, the offensive line has struggled to protect the quarterback and establish a strong running game, both of which are essential components of Clemson’s identity.

The Departure of Brent Venables and the Defensive Coordinator Search

While Clemson’s offensive struggles were concerning, the loss of longtime defensive coordinator Brent Venables in 2021 marked the end of an era for the Tigers. Venables had been the architect of some of the best defenses in college football, and his departure to become the head coach at Oklahoma left a void that Clemson would need to fill.

Since Venables’ departure, Clemson’s defense has remained solid but not quite as dominant as it had been under his tutelage. While the Tigers have continued to produce NFL-caliber talent on the defensive side of the ball, there has been a noticeable dip in their ability to consistently shut down high-powered offenses. The Tigers’ defense has still been one of the best in the ACC, but it hasn’t been quite at the elite level that fans had come to expect.

In 2024, Dabo Swinney’s search for a new defensive coordinator became one of the most important storylines surrounding the program. Swinney’s decision to hire a new defensive coordinator would be a critical one, as Clemson’s defense has always been the backbone of the program’s success. A strong defensive unit would give the Tigers a chance to compete with the top teams in the country, especially as other programs around the nation have become more balanced and dangerous.

The Defensive Coordinator Target: A Game-Changing Hire?

The hire of a new defensive coordinator is crucial for Clemson as they look to return to the top. Swinney’s decision to target an outstanding defensive coordinator signals that the Tigers are serious about returning to their previous form. While Clemson has been competitive in recent seasons, a stronger defensive identity would elevate the team’s prospects and make them a serious contender for a national championship once again.

Several names have emerged as potential candidates for the job, and Swinney’s ability to make a home run hire will go a long way in determining the Tigers’ future success. Swinney has long been known for his ability to develop coaches, and his choice of defensive coordinator could set the tone for Clemson’s next era.

One of the most exciting aspects of this search is the possibility of bringing in a coach with a reputation for developing elite defenses that can match the modern college football game. This new defensive coordinator will need to blend traditional, hard-nosed defense with a more modern approach that can contend with the spread offenses and mobile quarterbacks that dominate the college football landscape today.

Additionally, a strong hire on the defensive side of the ball would complement Swinney’s existing focus on recruiting. Clemson has always been able to attract top-tier talent, and with a revamped defensive scheme, the Tigers could once again become the gold standard for defensive prowess in college football.

Can Dabo Swinney Lead Clemson Back to the Top?

Dabo Swinney has proven time and again that he is one of the best coaches in college football. His ability to recruit, develop talent, and maintain a winning culture has been a major factor in Clemson’s success over the past decade. However, like any great coach, Swinney must adapt to the changing landscape of college football. The pursuit of a new defensive coordinator is a clear sign that Swinney understands this and is willing to make the necessary adjustments to return Clemson to its former glory.

Swinney’s leadership will be tested in the coming years as he navigates the evolving college football world. With the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the growing influence of the transfer portal, recruiting has become more complex than ever. Swinney has long been known for his emphasis on culture and player development, but the key to Clemson’s future success may lie in his ability to adapt to these new realities while still maintaining the core values that have made the Tigers successful.

The Tigers will also need to address their offensive struggles, with a renewed focus on developing a quarterback who can take the offense to new heights. A potent offense, combined with an elite defense, could make Clemson a powerhouse once again.