Andrea AdelsonDec 29, 2025, 06:54 PM ETClose ACC reporter. Joined ESPN.com in 2010. Graduate of the University of Florida.Follow on X
Swinney, Clemson move on from Riley, seek new OC (0:59)Swinney, Clemson move on from Riley, seek new OC (0:59)
Clemson offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and safeties coach Mickey Conn will not return next season, coach Dabo Swinney announced Monday.
Riley was Clemson’s first outside hire as offensive coordinator since Chad Morris in 2011, and his arrival was widely heralded after the Tigers offense took a step back under former coordinator Brandon Streeter and quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. But, as Swinney noted in a statement, “It didn’t work like we both wanted.”
“At the end of the day, we just did not get the production and the results that we needed, and I just feel like it is time for a change, and so we will be moving in a different direction with a new offensive coordinator,” Swinney said. “Garrett is smart, he’s got great work ethic and he’s a great coach, but it just didn’t work like we both wanted. He’s got an amazing career ahead and he’ll be a great head coach in the future.”
Riley, who had two years remaining on his contract, was hired in 2023 to help reenergize a stagnant Tigers offense. But over three seasons, Clemson produced inconsistent results. Quarterback Cade Klubnik showed major progress a year ago in leading Clemson to the College Football Playoff, but the offense did not perform up to its standard in 2025 as the Tigers struggled to run the ball consistently and could not get the passing game going. Clemson ranked No. 62 nationally in total offense, averaging 392.2 yards.
Swinney, Clemson move on from Riley, seek new OC (0:59)Swinney, Clemson move on from Riley, seek new OC (0:59)
The Tigers’ season ended at 7-6 on Saturday, with a 22-10 loss to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Swinney, Clemson move on from Riley, seek new OC (0:59)
Close ACC reporter. Joined ESPN.com in 2010. Graduate of the University of Florida.Follow on X