Swinney Secures New Offensive Coordinator for Clemson

Clemson’s head coach Dabo Swinney has appointed Chad Morris as the new offensive coordinator. This appointment marks Morris’s return to the university, where he previously enjoyed significant success. The Clemson Insider confirmed the news over the weekend, setting the stage for Morris to rejuvenate a struggling offense.

Seeking Improvement in Offensive Performance

The Clemson football team finished 2025 with notable challenges. They ranked seventh in the ACC in total offense, averaging 392.2 yards per game. Additionally, the team placed tenth in scoring with only 27.2 points per game. The passing game averaged 267.8 yards, while the rushing attack lagged behind at 124.5 yards.

Morris’s appointment comes after the dismissal of Garrett Riley as the previous offensive coordinator. The Clemson Board of Trustees’ Compensation Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday to finalize Morris’s financial package.

Morris’s Coaching Journey

• Morris has a rich history at Clemson, previously serving as the offensive coordinator from 2011 to 2014.
• During his tenure, he led the Tigers to a 41-11 record and won the 2011 ACC Championship.
• He was pivotal in recruiting star quarterback Deshaun Watson, contributing to Clemson’s national championship runs from 2015 to 2020.
• His offense set 127 records, including 89 individual and 38 team accolades.
• He has not called plays since serving as the offensive coordinator at Auburn in 2020.

In recent years, Morris has worked as an offensive analyst at South Florida and Clemson. His last coaching position before returning to Clemson was with Texas State, where he coached wide receivers and served as passing game coordinator in 2024. Notably, he took a brief hiatus last season to follow his son, Chandler Morris, who played quarterback for the Virginia Cavaliers, leading them to an impressive 11-win season.

Historical Impact at Clemson

During his time as offensive coordinator, Morris twice placed Clemson in the AP Top 10 and brought the Tigers to two BCS Bowls. He was instrumental in achieving Clemson’s offensive pinnacle, leading three seasons with top scoring and passing offenses. The average offensive output during his four seasons was a remarkable 36 points and 468 yards per game.

With Morris back in Tigertown, hopes are high that he will restore the Tigers’ offensive prowess and bring back the excitement synonymous with Clemson football.