Clemson Moves On From Garrett Riley: What the Tigers Need Next on Offense
Clemson is making a change. On December 29, the program announced it’s parting ways with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley after three seasons.
A Broyles Award winner and one of the most hyped hires in recent memory, Riley was brought in to revive a Tigers offense that had lost its edge. But after a rollercoaster three-year stint, Dabo Swinney is back in the market for a new play-caller.
Riley’s time in Clemson started with promise but never truly found its footing. His first year in 2023 saw the Tigers finish a disappointing 52nd nationally in both total offense and scoring offense.
The following season brought a glimmer of hope. Clemson jumped to 11th in total offense and 18th in scoring, with quarterback Cade Klubnik putting together his best season yet-over 3,600 yards through the air, 36 touchdowns, and just six picks.
That was the version of Riley’s offense fans were hoping for.
But 2025 told a different story. Clemson’s offense regressed, ranking 64th in total offense and 71st in scoring.
The inconsistency was glaring, and the lack of identity on that side of the ball became too much to ignore. For a program with championship aspirations, middle-of-the-pack production just isn’t going to cut it.
So now, the Tigers turn the page. And as Swinney begins the search for his next offensive coordinator, here’s what Clemson needs to get right moving forward.
1. Reestablishing the Run Game
Let’s start with the most glaring issue: the run game. Clemson’s rushing attack was flat-out ineffective in 2025, finishing 105th in the FBS with just 124.5 yards per game. That’s not just a dip-it’s a crater, especially for a program that’s historically leaned on physical, downhill running to set the tone.
The low point? The Pinstripe Bowl against Penn State.
In the coldest game of the season, Clemson ran the ball only 25 times for a total of 43 yards. That’s not just a tough night-it’s a missed opportunity to control the game in brutal conditions.
It’s not like the Tigers lacked talent in the backfield, either. Adam Randall had just come off a 102-yard, one-touchdown performance against South Carolina.
Yet against Penn State, he saw only 11 carries for 35 yards. That kind of usage-especially when the passing game isn’t clicking-is hard to justify.
Looking ahead, all eyes are on Gideon Davidson. The coaching staff believes he could be the next great Clemson back, and if that’s the case, the next OC has to build an offense that features him. Establishing a consistent ground game will be the foundation for everything else the Tigers want to do.
2. Utilizing Depth-Especially at Wide Receiver
Clemson’s wide receiver room was touted all offseason as one of the deepest in the country. Coaches talked about the “three waves of terror,” referencing the unit’s ability to rotate in third-string guys without a significant drop-off. But when the games started, the rotation didn’t reflect that confidence.
Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco, and TJ Moore saw the bulk of the targets week in and week out. Wesco, despite missing the final six games of the season, still finished fourth on the team in receptions-behind Williams, Moore, and Randall. He even had seven more catches than the next man up, Tristan Smith.
That kind of top-heavy usage left valuable weapons underutilized. Smith, Tyler Brown, and tight end Christian Bentancur all showed flashes but weren’t consistently involved in the game plan.
And when Klubnik did spread the ball around, the offense looked more dynamic. His best performance of the season featured touchdown passes to three different receivers, including two to Bentancur.
The best offenses in college football don’t just have depth-they use it. Clemson has the personnel to rotate receivers, keep defenses guessing, and create mismatches across the field. The next OC has to take advantage of that.
3. Finding Offensive Consistency
More than anything, Clemson needs steady, reliable production from its offense. Too often in 2025, the Tigers looked like a different unit from quarter to quarter. One drive they’d be humming, the next they’d be stuck behind the chains, facing third-and-long with nowhere to go.
That kind of inconsistency doesn’t just stall drives-it wears down a defense and takes the crowd out of the game. And it puts too much pressure on Klubnik to make something happen on every snap.
The fix starts with early-down success. A productive run game can turn second-and-10 into second-and-6, opening up the playbook and keeping defenses honest.
Once teams start stacking the box, that’s when the passing game can really take off. Let your playmakers go to work on the outside, then take your shots downfield when the defense overcommits.
It’s about rhythm. It’s about balance. And it’s about playing to your strengths-something Clemson didn’t do enough of in 2025.
What’s Next for Clemson?
The good news: the Tigers aren’t short on talent. Klubnik is still one of the most gifted quarterbacks in the ACC, and the skill positions are loaded with young, explosive playmakers.
But talent alone doesn’t win games. Scheme, execution, and identity matter just as much.
Dabo Swinney has a big decision ahead. Whoever takes over this offense in 2026 will inherit a group with potential-but also with something to prove. The next OC has to bring creativity, balance, and a clear plan to get the most out of this roster.
Because if Clemson wants to get back to the top of the college football mountain, it starts with getting the offense right.