Dabo Swinney isn’t waiting around to see if things turn around on their own. Just two days after Clemson wrapped up a frustrating 7-6 season with a 22-10 loss to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl, Swinney made decisive moves on the coaching front, parting ways with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and defensive passing game coordinator Mickey Conn.
This wasn’t a typical end-of-season reshuffling. These are significant changes that speak volumes about where Clemson is right now - and where Swinney believes the program needs to go.
Let’s start with Riley. When he was brought in ahead of the 2023 season, the expectation was that he’d jumpstart a Tigers offense that had lost its bite.
Instead, Clemson’s offense sputtered. Despite returning more production than any other team in the FBS or FCS - including quarterback Cade Klubnik, a veteran offensive line, and a deep group of skill players - the Tigers averaged just 27.2 points per game.
That ranked 70th nationally. For a program that once made scoring look routine, that’s a steep drop.
The ground game, usually a staple of Clemson’s identity, was surprisingly ineffective. The Tigers managed just 124.5 rushing yards per game, 104th in the nation.
And when it came to sustaining drives, they struggled mightily - converting only 34.4% of third downs, which put them at 114th. These aren’t just numbers; they’re indicators of an offense that lacked rhythm, confidence, and consistency.
Swinney acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, but made it clear that results matter. “At the end of the day, we just did not get the production and the results that we needed,” he said. “And I just feel like it is time for a change.”
On the defensive side, Conn’s departure carries a different tone. He’s been with the program since 2017, coaching safeties and, more recently, handling passing game and special teams responsibilities.
Swinney called Conn “family” and praised his contributions to multiple championship runs. This move seems less about failure and more about a broader retooling of the staff as Clemson tries to recalibrate.
It’s also worth noting: this is the second straight year Swinney has fired a coordinator. That’s not something we’re used to seeing from a coach who’s built his brand on loyalty and continuity.
But it’s a clear sign - the pressure is mounting in Death Valley. Clemson hasn’t won a national title since 2018, and the program’s recent trajectory has fallen short of its own lofty standards.
Swinney says he’s excited about the plan moving forward, especially on defense. And as for the offense, he’s already looking ahead. “I’m looking forward to identifying the right leader for our offense to help achieve our goals for 2026 and beyond.”
Clemson’s identity under Swinney has always been rooted in culture, development, and consistency. But in today’s college football landscape - with the transfer portal, NIL, and playoff expansion reshaping the game - adaptability is just as critical.
Swinney’s latest moves show he understands that. The window for patience is shrinking, and Clemson’s next steps will go a long way in determining whether the Tigers can climb back into the national spotlight - or risk falling further behind.