End of Regular Season: Evaluating Clemson's Coaching Staff and Salaries (LONG)

Dec 2, 2024, 3:05 PM

At Clemson, money makes the world go round—and the football coaching staff certainly enjoys top-tier compensation. But is the program seeing a return on its significant investment? As the season wraps up, here’s a deep dive into the performance of each coach, their salary, and what might lie ahead.

Dabo Swinney: Head Coach – $11,132,775
Dabo Swinney has built one of the most successful programs in college football, but the game has changed, and Dabo must adapt. He needs to evaluate himself as a coach in this new era of NIL and transfer portals. The brilliant strategist who thrived under the old system must now find ways to innovate and compete. Swinney’s earned the right to make adjustments, but time is of the essence.
Grade: B-

Garrett Riley: Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach – $1,750,000
Despite his reputation as an offensive guru, Riley’s conservative play-calling has yet to justify his hefty salary. His in-game adjustments and critical decision-making have been underwhelming, with questionable calls on key downs. Creativity and rhythm are sorely lacking, and he will be under immense pressure to deliver next season as his seat heats up.
Grade: C-

Wes Goodwin: Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers Coach – $1,400,000
Goodwin has shown flashes of intelligence but seems out of his element. His decision to move to the sideline instead of staying in the box has negatively impacted his ability to see the game. Clemson’s defense has lost its aggressive edge, particularly with blitz packages, and Saturday’s game will likely determine his future.
Grade: D

Nick Eason: Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Tackles Coach – $1,000,000
Eason brings energy and recruiting skills but struggles with in-game strategy. His defensive line often over-pursued, leading to missed opportunities and unnecessary tackles from behind. With the right adjustments and NIL support, his potential is immense, but the lack of consistent performance this year was disappointing.
Grade: C+

Matt Luke: Offensive Line Coach – $975,000
Luke has been a standout, transforming a struggling offensive line into a respectable unit despite limited talent and injuries. With more resources, he has the potential to thrive even further.
Grade: A

Chris Rumph: Defensive Ends Coach – $950,000
Rumph has done well with development but hasn’t landed a dominant recruit in his position. If NIL limitations are holding him back, that might change soon. His work has been steady, but Clemson needs a star defensive end to elevate this group.
Grade: B

Mike Reed: Assistant Head Coach / Special Teams Coordinator / Cornerbacks Coach – $900,000
Reed excels with cornerbacks but struggles mightily as Special Teams Coordinator. His recruiting remains strong, but player selection and in-game special teams performance need significant improvement. He’s better suited to focus solely on cornerbacks and maybe add safeties. He may move on from Clemson to a new job anyways.
Grade: C+ (D for Special Teams)

Mickey Conn: Co-Defensive Coordinator / Safeties Coach – $900,000
Conn’s role on the staff remains unclear, and the safeties have not shown the development expected at this level. Consolidating responsibilities under Reed and reallocating this salary to hire a proven linebacker coach could be a smart move. Move him to another role within the Athletic Department if Dabo wants to keep him.
Grade: F

Kyle Richardson: Passing Game Coordinator / Tight Ends Coach – $600,000
This position feels like a waste of resources. The tight ends have regressed, and the "Passing Game Coordinator" title seems like an excuse to justify the salary. Clemson needs a dedicated special teams coach instead. Time to move on from Kyle.
Grade: F

Tyler Grisham: Recruiting Coordinator / Wide Receivers Coach – $550,000
Grisham has shown improvement in recruiting but has struggled to develop receivers quickly enough. Blocking remains an issue, and Clemson's receivers have lacked the explosiveness of past years. Saturday could be make-or-break for his future.
Grade: C-

C.J. Spiller: Running Backs Coach – $550,000
Spiller is a beloved figure at Clemson, but his role as Running Backs Coach has not yielded the necessary results. Recruiting has fallen short, and player development is lagging. It might be time to reassign him within the athletic department and bring in a specialist to turn this position into a strength.
Grade: F

A Fork in the Road -

Clemson football stands at a pivotal moment. A win on Saturday could allow Dabo to quietly make necessary adjustments, but a loss might usher in the roughest offseason of his tenure.

There is still an opportunity for something remarkable—a chance to rewrite this season's narrative. Clemson was the first 15-0 National Champion. With a win Saturday, they can make the playoffs with the potential to become the first three-loss National Champion ever.

The road ahead will test the resolve of the program and its leadership. One thing is certain: Clemson fans are watching closely and rooting for the Tigers to reclaim their place among college football’s elite!

Message was edited by: gotigers37®

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Tyler Grisham: Should be an F, all he has done since he has been at Clemson is ruin everything he touches. From recruiting to coaching, everything. I am pretty sure Dabo bailed him out last year with Moore and Wesco when fans had enough of him and wanted his head on a platter. But Dabo had to step in and save him, he is an absolute waste of space on the coaching roster and folks need to pay attention to this as he will handle Spiller the same way.

Mike Reed: I think Reed may need a bump up to a B. It is clear the defense is falling to crap, but his position group seems to be the only one producing at any level right now. I am wondering if he has too much on his plate as I am suspicious of Conn being able to coach a potato. I also wonder how much of the little bit of drop off we have seen from him being some sour grapes maybe. I mean I would be pissed off if I was passed over for a Coordinator job by a less qualified individual. Add to this having to deal with Conn on a daily basis, as well as having STC thrust on him almost as an afterthought and well I get why there could be a slight drop in production.

C.J. Spiller: I would agree with every point you made. But I still think he needs to maybe have a slightly higher grade. I would give him a C-. Next year will tell the tale with him, when he does not have Mafah to fall back on. It will also be telling as to how many in his room he can retain during the transfer period. One caveat to this is, if Dabo had gone out and gotten a proven RB coach this would be a moot point. We would either be firing him, or he would have been a success by now. The problem with hiring alums and buddies is the time wasted waiting for them to get marginally better instead of being great right out of the gate.

End of Regular Season: Evaluating Clemson's Coaching Staff and Salaries (LONG)

Re: End of Regular Season: Evaluating Clemsons Coaching Staff and Salaries (LONG)

Agree. In this new era of college football he's mediocre at best.

Re: End of Regular Season: Evaluating Clemson's Coaching Staff and Salaries (LONG)

Re: End of Regular Season: Evaluating Clemson's Coaching Staff and Salaries (LONG)

You have to be kidding me.***

Re: End of Regular Season: Evaluating Clemson's Coaching Staff and Salaries (LONG)

In summary - a bloated inept cash cow...***

Correct.***

I agree with everything with a few exceptions

Well said.***

Re: End of Regular Season: Evaluating Clemson's Coaching Staff and Salaries (LONG)

Re: End of Regular Season: Evaluating Clemson's Coaching Staff and Salaries (LONG)

Agree on most points you make.

Clemson football, doing less with more since 2021.***

lol. You grade Dabo higher than Riley.

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