Clemson’s OC Search: Dabo Swinney Eyes Fresh Direction After Another Reset
For the third time in four years, Dabo Swinney is back in the offensive coordinator market - a far cry from the era of continuity that helped power Clemson’s playoff dominance. Back then, it was Brent Venables anchoring the defense and Tony Elliott dialing up plays on offense. But since Elliott’s departure, it’s been a carousel.
Brandon Streeter had a short-lived run. Garrett Riley, the splashy hire from TCU and a Broyles Award winner, didn’t pan out either. Now, with Clemson’s offense still searching for its identity, Swinney is evaluating his next move - and the list of potential candidates offers a mix of fresh faces, familiar names, and intriguing possibilities.
Let’s break down some of the notable names being linked to the Tigers’ OC vacancy - and what each could bring to the table.
Kade Bell, Pittsburgh - Young Gun with ACC Ties
If Swinney is looking for a rising star who’s already shown he can scheme up points in the ACC, Kade Bell might be worth a long look.
At just 32, Bell has turned heads in Pittsburgh, where he helped the Panthers average 33.7 points per game in 2025 - and did it with a true freshman quarterback, Mason Heintschel, who beat out former Alabama transfer Eli Holstein. That’s no small feat in a conference known for defensive slugfests.
Bell’s coaching roots run deep. He played quarterback under his father, Kerwin Bell, at Jacksonville State and later joined him on the sidelines at Western Carolina. Now two years into his stint at Pitt, Bell has built a reputation for offensive creativity, especially when facing less formidable defenses.
That’s also where the questions start. While Pitt lit up the scoreboard against mid-tier opponents, the offense sputtered against tougher competition - managing just 22 points against Notre Dame and Miami, and only 17 in a bowl loss to East Carolina.
Still, with more talent at Clemson - particularly at the skill positions - Bell could have the tools to take his system to the next level. There's also the question of whether he could bring a quarterback with him, or if he’d be tasked with developing the Tigers’ current crop.
Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens - The Dream Hire?
If Clemson wants to swing for the fences, Todd Monken is the name that could make Tigers fans sit up and take notice.
Monken is currently orchestrating one of the NFL’s most well-rounded offenses in Baltimore, but his college résumé is just as impressive. He was the architect of Georgia’s offense during their back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022, and he’s no stranger to the grind of college football.
The logistics? That’s the tricky part.
Monken would only be available if the Ravens bow out of the playoffs early - they face the Steelers this weekend - and even then, the timing would be tight with the transfer portal opening on Jan. 2. Any delay could complicate recruiting and roster management, unless Swinney is willing to take a calculated risk and sell the vision to prospective transfers.
Another wrinkle: would Monken want a say in reshaping the rest of the offensive staff? And would Clemson give him that kind of autonomy?
It’s a high-upside hire with some real-world hurdles. But if Swinney wants to make a statement, Monken’s track record speaks for itself.
Chad Morris - A Familiar Face with a Complicated Resume
Clemson fans remember the Chad Morris era fondly - the up-tempo offense, the fireworks with Tajh Boyd, Sammy Watkins, and DeAndre Hopkins. Morris helped lay the foundation for what Clemson became. But since leaving to become a head coach, his career has been a winding road.
After stints at SMU and Arkansas, Morris bounced between college and high school gigs, including a year as Auburn’s OC, a stop at Texas State, and analyst roles at South Florida and Clemson. Most recently, he coordinated the passing game at Texas State in 2024 before taking the 2025 season off to watch his son, Chandler, play quarterback at Virginia.
At 57, Morris isn’t the trendy name. But there’s a comfort level here. Swinney has hinted that he wants to get back to trusting his instincts, and Morris is a coach he once trusted to breathe life into the program.
Would it be a flashy hire? No. But it might be one grounded in familiarity and a shared offensive vision.
Jonathan Brewer, Duke - Rising Star with Play-Calling Chops
When Clemson and Duke met this past November, the Tigers scored 45 - and still lost. That’s because Duke’s offense, led by Jonathan Brewer, dropped 46 in one of the wildest shootouts of the ACC season.
Brewer, just 38, has worked under Rhett Lashlee at SMU and Miami, and got his shot to run an offense on his own in 2023. After a solid year at SMU, he moved to Duke, where he helped quarterback Darian Mensah lead a unit that averaged 34 points per game in 2025.
Unlike Garrett Riley, who came from a similar coaching tree but hadn’t fully run his own offense before joining Clemson, Brewer has already proven he can call plays and manage a room.
The question is whether his success was tied too closely to Mensah. Without that dual-threat quarterback, would Brewer’s scheme still hum at a high level? That’s the gamble.
Andy Kotelnicki, Formerly Penn State - Proven Producer Now on the Market
If Swinney is looking for someone battle-tested and immediately available, Andy Kotelnicki checks a lot of boxes.
Clemson just saw Kotelnicki’s offense firsthand - a unit that put up 22 points and 260 passing yards despite being down two running backs, four offensive linemen, and starting a redshirt freshman quarterback. That’s the kind of resilience and adaptability that stands out.
Kotelnicki brings a track record of consistent production. During his time at Kansas, his offenses were among the most explosive in the country, averaging over 40 points per game at their peak. At Penn State, he averaged 33 and 31 points per game across two seasons, even as injuries and roster turnover mounted.
Now on the open market, Kotelnicki could offer Clemson a veteran presence with a clear offensive identity - and no buyout complications.
What’s Next for Clemson?
This hire is about more than just play-calling. It’s about identity.
Clemson’s offense has lacked rhythm and explosiveness in recent years. Whether Swinney opts for a young innovator like Bell or Brewer, reaches for a big name like Monken, or leans into familiarity with Morris, the next OC will be tasked with reigniting a program that once set the standard for offensive fireworks in the ACC.
Swinney has hinted that he wants to get back to trusting his gut - and whoever he picks will say a lot about how he sees the future of Clemson football.
One thing’s clear: the Tigers can’t afford another swing and miss.