Clemson’s Coaching Carousel Starts Spinning as Familiar Faces Head to Samford
Dabo Swinney said change was coming - and he wasn’t bluffing. The first wave of Clemson’s offseason staff shakeup has officially begun, and it’s carrying more than just one name out the door.
John Grass Takes Over at Samford
The first confirmed move: offensive analyst John Grass is heading to Samford to become their next head coach. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Grass, but it’s also a signal that Clemson’s coaching staff is about to look a lot different heading into 2026.
Grass has been a steady hand behind the scenes for the Tigers over the last four seasons, working most recently as a senior offensive assistant and assistant quarterbacks coach under Garrett Riley. He came to Clemson in 2021, just ahead of their Cheez-It Bowl win, and quickly earned a reputation as a thoughtful, experienced voice in the room.
This isn’t his first time calling the shots. Grass previously led Jacksonville State from 2013 to 2021, picking up OVC Coach of the Year honors in each of his first three seasons.
So this move to Samford isn’t about taking a flyer - it’s about continuity and credibility. He knows how to run a program, and now he’s building one with familiar pieces.
A Clemson Pipeline to Birmingham
Grass isn’t going alone. He’s tapping into his Clemson roots to build out his staff at Samford, starting with former Tigers quarterback Paul Tyson, who will take over as quarterbacks coach. Joining him is Andrew Zow, Clemson’s assistant running backs coach, who’s also making the jump.
But perhaps the most personal move belongs to Drew Swinney - Dabo’s middle son - who will take over as Samford’s wide receivers coach. It’s his first chance to run a position group at the college level, and it comes after a deliberate and well-earned rise through the Clemson system.
Drew Swinney’s Coaching Ascent
Drew Swinney is wrapping up his third full season on the Tigers’ staff, where he’s worked in offensive player development and as an assistant wide receivers coach. Before that, he spent five seasons as a Clemson wideout, appearing in 40 games from 2018 to 2022. He was part of a golden era for the Tigers - four ACC titles, three College Football Playoff appearances, and a national championship in 2018.
While his playing stats were modest - 14 catches for 96 yards - his impact went beyond the box score. He was the team’s starting holder during his final season and earned a reputation for professionalism and preparation that made his transition to coaching seamless.
Now, he gets his shot to lead a room, and his father couldn’t be prouder.
“I’m excited for Drew,” Dabo said during his Monday press conference. “It’s a great next step for him.
Pretty cool that his first job running the wide receivers room is in Birmingham. My mom’s there, my in-laws are there.
You never know where that first opportunity is going to be.”
And make no mistake - this isn’t about legacy or sentiment.
“He’s so prepared,” Dabo added. “He’s a stud.
I know he’s my son, but he’s a stud. He’s going to be really, really good.”
What’s Next for the Tigers
While the coaching exits are starting to stack up, Swinney made it clear that all departing staffers - including Grass, Zow, and Drew Swinney - will remain with the program through the Pinstripe Bowl on December 27, where Clemson will face Penn State. That continuity should help stabilize bowl prep, but it’s clear this is just the beginning of a broader reshuffling.
There’s already buzz that assistant offensive line coach Brandon Thomas and offensive player-development intern Montralius Mosley could be the next to follow Grass to Samford, though nothing has been finalized.
Meanwhile, Clemson also has a vacancy to fill at safeties coach, and with the national coaching carousel still spinning, more changes could be on the horizon.
A Program in Transition
Whether these moves are about climbing the ladder, refreshing the structure, or simply the natural rhythm of the coaching world, one thing is certain: Clemson’s offseason is in motion.
The first domino has fallen - and it’s likely not the last.