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.”
Riley helped TCU make it to the national championship last season with an offense that scored 38.8 points per game last season, which was ninth in the nation. Comparatively, Clemson was 30th in ppg. with an average of 33.2.
On the season, the Horned Frogs almost five and a half less play per game than the Tigers. Even so, they averaged 44.7 more yards per game, 1.1 more yards per play, and just under a touchdown more per game.
The most important thing, though, is that Riley sees an offense that’s more invested. That’s a far better starting point for Clemson to be kicking off from as he says Riley is very ready to get going this season.
“The guys are just bought in. It’s been a fun process,” Swinney said. “We didn’t have everybody available this spring. But how the guys have worked this summer, the accountability, the leadership? I think we’re in a really good spot.”
“Garrett is super fired up to get out there in The Valley and on the road on Labor Day night to get this thing started for real,” said Swinney.
Swinney details what Chad Morris’ role will be at Clemson
Chad Morris is back in a familiar place. The former Clemson offensive coordinator and Arkansas head coach has once again joined Dabo Swinney‘s staff and will be working with the Tigers in a special assistant/consulting role.
Morris’ background is offense, but he will be working with both sides of the ball while at Clemson.
Swinney spoke on Thursday at the 2023 ACC Football Kickoff event about what Morris’ role will be with the Tigers.
“It’s kind of like what we did with Ted Roof a couple of years ago. I mean he’s going to go watch Chandler (Morris) play. But he still wants to be involved,” Swinney said. “He can bring a lot of value. He’s going to be like a special assistant with football. He’s actually going to work with the defense and the offense. (Morris) is going to just stay a week ahead and really just add a lot of value from another lens. This guy’s been a really, really good offensive coordinator. He’s been a head coach. So just got a lot of experience.”
Morris had not visited Clemson since 2014 and, as he has learned, a lot has changed. The Allen N. Reeves Football Complex was completed in 2017 and several other facility upgrades have been made.
“He’s always loved Clemson, loved his time here. It’s crazy, he hasn’t been back here since the day he left. He left the Sunday after the South Carolina game in 2014. He left the next day to take the SMU job and he hasn’t been back since,” Swinney said.
“So it’s changed a lot since then. A lot has happened, obviously. He hasn’t seen our facility and a lot of things. So it’s been really good just to have him back around, and again, he’ll bring a lot of value for sure. Hopefully we can help him reset and get back going and get some positive things going back in his direction.