Clemson’s Offseason Revamp: Swinney’s Strategic Moves
Clemson’s head coach, Dabo Swinney, is entering his 18th season with renewed vigor, aiming to restore the Tigers to their former glory after a challenging 7-6 season in 2025. It was a year that saw Clemson miss out on the ACC championship and the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2010. With a strategic approach, Swinney has made some bold offseason changes to get the Tigers back on track.
Bringing Back a Familiar Face: Chad Morris
In a move that has fans buzzing, Swinney rehired Chad Morris as the offensive coordinator. Morris, who was instrumental in Clemson's offensive success from 2011 to 2014, returns with the hope of revitalizing an offense that averaged just 27.2 points per game last season.
While Morris hasn’t called plays in college since his stint with Auburn in 2020, his familiarity with the program could be a game-changer. The big question is whether he can work his magic again and elevate Clemson's quarterbacks.
This hire feels like a calculated risk with potential for high reward.
Grade: C+
A Record-Breaking Transfer Portal Strategy
Swinney made unprecedented use of the transfer portal, adding 10 players to the roster. The focus was primarily on defense, bringing in two safeties ready to make an immediate impact and bolstering depth with four defensive linemen and two cornerbacks.
The addition of SMU running back Chris Johnson Jr. promises to inject speed into the offense. However, the lack of new offensive linemen and quarterbacks raises some eyebrows, especially after losing four starters on the line.
Despite this, the overall haul is solid, though there’s room for improvement.
Grade: B
Swinney’s Bold Stand Against Tampering
In a dramatic turn, Swinney publicly accused Ole Miss and coach Pete Golding of tampering with linebacker Luke Ferrelli, who transferred to Ole Miss after initially committing to Clemson. Swinney’s candid revelation of a timeline and alleged texts from Golding is a rare move in college football, where such accusations are often kept under wraps. By taking a stand, Swinney aims to protect his program and set a precedent against tampering, showing his commitment to maintaining integrity.
Grade: A
A Resurgent Recruiting Class
Clemson’s recruiting efforts have rebounded impressively, with a 23-player class ranked 20th nationally and fourth in the ACC. This marks a significant improvement from the previous cycle, which was the lowest-rated since 2010.
The class is highlighted by standout wide receiver Naeem Burroughs and top defensive recruits like safety Polo Anderson. This influx of talent could be pivotal in reversing the Tigers’ recent downward trend.
Grade: B+
Strong Player Retention
Despite some departures, Clemson has managed to retain key players from last season. While safeties Khalil Barnes and Ricardo Jones, along with defensive tackle Stephiylan Green, have moved on, the Tigers have kept crucial talent like wide receivers Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J.
Moore. The retention of linebacker Sammy Brown and edge rusher Will Heldt, who could have declared for the NFL draft, is particularly noteworthy.
With eight starters returning, Clemson is poised to leverage experience alongside new talent.
Grade: A-
Swinney’s strategic offseason moves reflect a determined effort to bring Clemson back into the national spotlight. With a mix of familiar faces, fresh talent, and a clear stand on integrity, the Tigers are setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.