Reaction: Clemson Makes First Major Move In Hopes Of CFP Return

The Clemson football program has made its first major move in getting back to the CFP. After missing the playoff in each of the last two seasons, Dabo Swinney is doing his best to get back to the pinnacle of the sport.

He’s fired offensive coordinator, and reportedly, already hired his replacement. The news has college football fans reacting online.

Brandon Streeter was in just year one as the Tigers’ OC, but it was a year to forget for the offensive unit. Most around the program weren’t over the moon about the hire to begin with as they’d hoped Swinney would go outside the program for a major name. Instead, both his offensive and defensive coordinators were promoted from within.

Clemson finished 48th in the nation in total offense this year despite having more talent than every team on their schedule. That output led to two losses over their last three games, and while they won the ACC, the team struggled against most teams with a pulse. In losses to South Carolina, Tennessee, and Notre Dame, the offense averaged just 16 points per game.

After the season, we saw starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei transfer to Oregon State. Now, his play caller is gone, too. And it appears that Dabo is wasting no time in finding his replacement.

Reports say that Clemson football has already hired its next OC

Larry Williams of TigerIllustrated reports that Streeter’s replacement has already been hired, though the name was not released to the public.

Here’s more.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has hired an offensive coordinator to replace Brandon Streeter, we’ve learned. A contact told us this afternoon that the hire is not a promotion from within and that the replacement is a well-known, highly regarded hire.

It didn’t take long for the name to be leaked.

Garrett Riley from TCU will be the next play caller at Clemson, Chris Low of ESPN reports.

Tiger fans are ecstatic.

One person wrote, “Let’s GOOOO!” Another said, “Clemson is back!”

Garrett, who is the brother of USC head coach Lincoln Riley, led TCU’s offense to the national title game in 2022. That unit ranked ninth in the country in scoring at just under 39 points per game.

He’ll now get a chance in the ACC with another national title contender.

Related: Clemson football fan goes viral in South Carolina loss