Dabo Swinney shares expectations for Clemson offense in Year 1 under Garrett Riley

Clemson didn’t have a bad year offensively in 2022, but the Tigers also didn’t have the explosive attack that fans became accustomed to seeing during a run of six straight College Football Playoff appearances.

New offensive coordinator Garrett Riley was brought in this offseason to get the Tigers back to having one of the best offenses in the country.

Dabo Swinney brought in the 2022 Broyles Award winner after he helped TCU reach the national title game in January. Swinney spoke at the 2023 ACC Football Kickoff event about what he expects from the Clemson offense in Year 1 under Riley.

“I think the best offenses we’ve had have had some semblance of balance. Not that you’re going to be some 50-50 type deal week-to-week. It just kind of depends on where you are. I think that’s where your explosiveness comes from,” Swinney said. “So I think when it’s all said and done, we’ve gotta be able to run the football. That’s where it starts. We want to be able to do that. But then you also have to be able to throw the ball at a high level.”

Clemson ran the ball well at times with Brandon Streeter in charge of the offense last season, ranking No. 47 nationally in rushing offense with an average of 178 yards per game.

But the Tigers were No. 66 in passing offense, throwing for 232 yards per contest. Clemson passed for fewer than 200 yards four of five weeks from late October through late November, including 99 yards in a home loss to South Carolina. Swinney expects Clemson to be more consistent in the running game and passing game under Riley.

“I think the biggest thing will be just a little bit more explosive, getting back to what we’ve been accustomed to from an explosive standpoint,” Swinney said. “Hopefully more big plays. And part of that is being healthy and getting all hands on deck, as well.”

Dabo Swinney credits Garrett Riley’s confidence, enthusiasm with revitalizing Clemson offense

Regardless of what exactly changed, it was clear that something needed to change for Clemson on offense. While DJ Uiagalelei’s decision to transfer to Oregon State was one part of that this offseason, the Tiger’s hire of Garrett Riley as offensive coordinator might be even bigger for the program.

While at the 2023 ACC Football Kickoff, Dabo Swinney discussed Riley’s hire on the ACC Network. He said Riley’s confidence has already worked wonders and has done a lot to give the Tiger’s offense a much-needed makeover.

“The biggest thing I’ve seen is confidence. He’s a very confident guy,” Swinney said. “There’s a lot of enthusiasm that is contagious from that.”

“As I’ve said a couple of times today, it’s the same house. We just cleaned out the closets, put some new flooring in, a nice new paint job, a new roof,” said Swinney. “It’s exciting. A little spring cleaning if you will.”