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Replies: 101
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TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:00 AM
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Hall of Famer [8640]
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#1 change - stop the nepotism
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:09 AM
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Nothing kills the drive of a young, talented player more than having to watch a nepo-recruit like Cole Turner continue to botch plays. Judge players and coaches on their experience and their competency, not their years with the program and how well they know Dabo.
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Commissioner [1205]
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Re: #1 change - stop the nepotism
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Sep 25, 2025, 8:49 AM
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Dabo wanted so bad for Turner to be the next Renfrow. I am honestly surprised he isn't wearing #13
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Associate AD [1039]
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Re: #1 change - stop the nepotism
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Sep 25, 2025, 10:26 AM
[ in reply to #1 change - stop the nepotism ] |
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To be fair, Cole is open a lot. Cade misses more than Cole.... watch Cade's passes
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Varsity [119]
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Re: #1 change - stop the nepotism***
Sep 25, 2025, 8:19 PM
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Varsity [119]
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Re: #1 change - stop the nepotism
Sep 25, 2025, 8:24 PM
[ in reply to Re: #1 change - stop the nepotism ] |
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When linebackers ,safeties,and defensive ends are coming at Cade unblocked,what do you expect?
we crowed about getting our offensive line back intact-talk was great about experience/number of reps!
just mediocre folk woith more experience!
I’ll take talent!!!
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Paw Warrior [4700]
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Re: #1 change - stop the nepotism
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Sep 25, 2025, 10:30 AM
[ in reply to #1 change - stop the nepotism ] |
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Except Cole is actually good and the fastest player on the team.
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Dynasty Maker [3156]
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That is great. But you need more than straight line speed to be an elite WR
Sep 25, 2025, 2:08 PM
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And I don’t know if your post was serious or not - but you know better. You need speed, change of direction, the willingness and skill to fight for balls, and you need to be able to catch. I’m not sure if Cole has those abilities or should I say enough of those abilities.
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National Champion [7884]
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Re: #1 change - stop the nepotism
Sep 25, 2025, 3:08 PM
[ in reply to #1 change - stop the nepotism ] |
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Well, thanks David .. you just said what most of us have been saying; nepotism, friends and family, inexperienced staff and assistants - all on Dabo’s gravy train ..and to adapt to todays game …
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Varsity [115]
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Re: #1 change - stop the nepotism
Sep 27, 2025, 9:56 PM
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Get the best coaches available.
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Game Changer [2057]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:09 AM
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I think one of the biggest problems is hiring all former players. This leads to just the same things that have been taught the last 5 years to recycle without any new ideas from outside people.
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Redshirt [90]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 8:42 PM
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Yep exactly what I said on The Roar, too many former players they have at coaching positions that have no idea what coaching is. They need to go. For instance I respect CJ and what he’s done for this program but to me he’s not a coach and maybe he’s learning but it’s simple he’s got to go just as many more need too!
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Legend [6887]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:16 AM
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Hear, Hear, Now that was a good article...
I mean you pretty much summed it up with the accountability approach and that is all I'm looking for, the coaches, the players, the administration, all should be accountable one way or another. The only way to achieve this is demote, start over , and no d### favoritism!!
Stop blaming the fans, we pay big money to see a better product on the field. It's a bad look to be pushing the blame on the fans...
Go Tigers!! 🐅 💪
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Asst Coach [841]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:58 AM
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I recently watched a video of Deshaun with his arms raised as the last second ticked off the clock against Bama in 2016. One of my happiest moments as a Tiger. Then the realization set in that we are miles away from another one of those moments at least at this moment in time.
David Hood has put into writing what literally every Clemson fan has been saying for years. The 2024 ACC Champ Tigers would have been skull dragged by every Clemson team that hit the field from 2014 through 2020.
In my opinion, first step in this program refresh is for Dabo to move on from his stance on the portal. This is an argument he has lost. This was the year he was going to prove everybody wrong about the portal and it has been a disaster up to this point. I hate the portal probably more than most, but I sure like winning. And while I 100% agree with Dabo on the overall development of young men and the need for attaining a degree, I no longer care if football players graduate from Clemson because I like being able to watch Sports Center and see highlights of my Tigers winning.
There are plenty of great players that would love the opportunity to come play at Clemson.
Step 2 is go out and buy the most elite coordinators you can get. Clearly Riley is not the answer for the offense. Hard to tell at the moment about Allen and the defense. Hard to develop a top tier defense when the offense they practice against is as bad as our offense is. Iron sharpens iron.
Step 3 is clean house. I cannot think of a single position coach whose position group is living up to their star ratings. Nick Eason and Chris Rumph?? Not sure what these guys are doing.
No question that Dabo has earned the right to fix the problems. He is the greatest coach Clemson has ever had. And the best part is it can be fixed very quickly in today's college football world.
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Game Changer [1923]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 8:37 AM
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The portal! The portal! The portal!
It wasn't until this moment that I've come to agree with heavier reliance ton the portal. I really don't think we lack talent (there does seem to be one significant exception) but we do seem to have fielded a group who feels pretty entitled to play.
I fully embrace the concept of culture such as is my understanding of what Dabo intends, but ... Family may mean give always have a seat at the table, but it doesn't mean you are guaranteed to be out in positions that harm the family. Keep the culture, but open up competition. The portal presents this as an opportunity.
Reliance ton the portal to simply build a team is a consumerism approach to coaching and appears to not work very well. But we can certainly accept through the portal competitive players who aren't grandstanders.
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Varsity [115]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 27, 2025, 9:58 PM
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Use the fraeakin portal. Every team we play does
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Rival Killer [2867]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 11:54 AM
[ in reply to Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make? ] |
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Yeah too much fluff and too much support staff. I say trim it down to what is actually needed as far as staff then it will keep them busy doing their jobs. Also enough with the hiring firmer players. Just because they were a good player years ago doesn’t always correlate to good coaching.
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Head Coach [993]
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All-In [11076]
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FAMILY CULTURE does not resonate with broken home elite athletes using
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:21 AM
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sports as an escape where the NFL is their only shot in life.
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Athletic Dir [1121]
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Re: honest take : stop recruiting perfect childhood players***
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:27 AM
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Great article. I love the idea of an open depth chart. Whoever the guy is that is playing with fire and passion is the guy that runs out there first on Saturday. The next week, clean slate. We should have already seen CV or someone else at QB this season. Just to see if it could provide a spark rather than letting the first 4 games of the season squander..
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Valley Legend [12420]
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All-In [11076]
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FAMILY today is
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Sep 25, 2025, 10:55 AM
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Coaches <-> Brothers of Players <-> Sons <-> Friends (cool kids getting PT and coaching jobs)
the rest of them
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I don't believe Clemson is self aware of the optics and image the brand has taken.
..............
College NIL and Clemson is pretty competitive. It's usually not a money thing for Clemson.
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Rival Killer [2901]
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Build indoor water slide
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:24 AM
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to augment our current slide.
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Playmaker [359]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:27 AM
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Great point on the younger coaches… I’ve thought for awhile that the coaches sons should go somewhere else to learn to coach. Go to Oklahoma, where you’re entitled, and learn from one of the best. Go to the these D2 or D3 schools and learn before you get keys to the new car daddy bought. Work for it and earn it! Boulware might be the ONLY exception. Emphasis on “might.” This is really a bigger deal than most realize.
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Playmaker [359]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:27 AM
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Not entitled….
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Varsity [119]
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Varsity [115]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 27, 2025, 9:55 PM
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Not true
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Game Day Hero [4597]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:34 AM
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1. Call a team meeting and literally burn the depth chart right in front of them
2. Ignore how much a player is getting paid and set his a$$ on the bench if they aren't giving effort every play
3. Put in a backup QB for a couple of series. How much worse can they be than what we've seen for 4 games?
4. Put the offense 100% under the OC and let him sink or swim. Do the same with the DC. They are some of the highest paid, most well respected coaches in the business, let them work.
Long term
1. Reduce staff like you mentioned. You cannot tell me players aren't getting mixed messages with that many people in their ear.
2. Utilize the portal. The "we're a family" thing is great but these kids are paid now. Performance is expected or you get replaced.
3. Stop eliminating talent because they aren't choir boys. I want some attitude and nastiness out there on the field
4. Have an outside source evaluate coaches job performance. Bring in the guy Dabo respects most or a group of them and nitpick the program. I'd say we would see several friends and former players assigned roles outside the coaching sphere.
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Commissioner [1230]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:37 AM
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Recruit the best players for whatever position needs to be filled. Recruiting fine young men is great! but wouldn't the real challenge be influencing and changing a young man who may have struggles but is a superior athlete!?
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Heisman Winner [83108]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:40 AM
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I would suggest we score more points than opponents so we win more games. People are happier when we win more.
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Redshirt [90]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:45 AM
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Yep exactly what I said on The Roar, too many former players they have at coaching positions that have no idea what coaching is. They need to go. For instance I respect CJ and what he’s done for this program but to me he’s not a coach and maybe he’s learning but it’s simple he’s got to go just as many more need too!
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All-American [563]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:46 AM
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Great article Mr. Hood but unfortunately we all know this current Dabo isn’t going to do none of that. He needs to retire and become a preacher or guidance counselor.
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Ultimate Tiger [35932]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:47 AM
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I've always felt that these position coaches should first cut their teeth at small programs like Anderson, Prysbeterian, Wofford, Georgia Southern, etc. before they even set foot at Clemson as a coach.
To simply hire someone because of family connections, friend, etc. is NEVER a good formula. Never.
Failure to adapt to the new landscape is also hurting. A lot. Pretty telling that our best player on defense is a transfer.....NOT someone who was homegrown. That in itself tells us that we're not developing guys as we should be.
Dabo has earned the right to get things fixed. I'd like to see some big, bold steps. Not half-measures. A general housecleaning is urgently needed--a reboot.
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Varsity [109]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:51 AM
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Well written article. Yes, time to peel back the staff layers as a head coach and get rid of a bunch of these lower program support personnel weighing down the program. Start the rebuilding there first. Cause' what you got there now as a program staff ain't working. Bring Sabin in for 2 weeks to consult; I'd bet he'd waste no time culling what/who needed to be culled. Still amazes me how he (Sabin) lost coordinators every other year for a decade, yet his teams still performed at a championship level. Dabo's a great CEO, but even great leaders need to recognize when a complete overhaul is needed to regain your business competitiveness.
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Standout [232]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 25, 2025, 1:39 PM
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you've lost your mind if you think Saban is coming in to just help Dabo out. He is still a consulttant with Bama...
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Hall of Famer [8532]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:55 AM
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Oh my gosh, this one is easy:
1. Fire everyone on the staff except for Riley, Allen and Luke. Allow them to decide who helps them with the offense and defense.
2. Institute interview process in which players from the portal are vetted and offered. Immediately address skill positions, which are sorely lacking talent.
3. Anyone related to the coaches and coordinators would be banned from being hired onto the staff.
4. Weekly assessments of performance when the starting roster is created.
5. Distance the program for from religious rhetoric. Religion is a personal choice and cannot be chosen for all by the head coach.
I’ll institute all this for only 1 million.
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Top TigerNet [28412]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 10:53 AM
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I’m with you on the first four points but to basically censor God from the program doesn’t make sense to me. It isn’t just Dabo who has that as his priority; so do many of our players and their families and why many recruits are drawn to us.
And we have great examples of how well things have worked when we took God out of our schools…
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Head Coach [993]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 1:53 PM
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Agree 100% GOD should never be taken out of anything.
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Hall of Famer [8589]
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I think its time for a new look offense. Offenses are one of those things that
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Sep 25, 2025, 2:27 PM
[ in reply to Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make? ] |
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is always morphing and changing. I think Riley was a product of a really great mind at TCU (Sonny Dykes.) But there is a top to bottom structuring and training that has not fleshed itself out here for the last 3-4 years. Offense seems very stagnate and not advancing, very streaky. Offensive scheme is not just play calling its training, installing, preparing all players (WR, QB, RB, and OL). I bet if they ran some kind of power formation, play action type system our OL Coach would get alot better. But Luke is coaching OL in our Air Raid/west coast style system.
Attention to detail is the hardest part of any coaching job. A guy like Venables constantly talked about fundamentals of the physical and the mental aspects.. he always talked about training your eyes on defense and understanding leverage. Those things have to be beaten like a dead horse and that's why he constantly said those words in about every interview. He wasn't just calling out sets or scheming and then hoping the players just remembered the fundamentals. I'm not in practices so I don't know if Riley is a stickler for details or not. But the way we are chaotic in games makes me assume he probably isn't. Saying our best players have to play better is not enough. Cade should know how to read a defense adn react by now. The fact that he doesn't tells me he's not prepared for the job. And thats on him true but alot of that comes with proper training.
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Orange Elite [5552]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 7:56 AM
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I mean...you hit it all on the head pretty much. It is time to clean up the mass amount of coaches that just shouldn't be here right now or perhaps never and have outside influence. The culture can stay true but it is broken right now and ultimately the philosophy needs to change point blank.
I'd like to see more portal usage as well with the things you listed too but that may be inevitable come seasons end depending who stays or goes. But outside of that, clean all those things up and we could have an easy turnaround to being a very good team or elite again. It's just going to be the question of "Will Dabo do it?"
It's good to have our own journalist post the cold truth about the program. I appreciate it David Hood. Go Tigers!
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Standout [201]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 8:47 AM
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Great article! This program is built on love and developing young men and fb players. Love is foundational…but so is truth. You can’t ever divide them. Accountability as players and coaches is the responsibility of the ceo…Dabo.
Saban and Dabo are two very different coaches. I love Dabos philosophy but we also need Savana accountability and continuity of excellence. I can’t say where the error is but o can clearly see it isn’t in the fb field. I love developing players vs portal but use it as u need it. It isn’t the end all be all but it may be necessary sometimes. No it isn’t the only solution to good fb but development is essential if you aren’t using it.
No one but saban has ever been able to repeat excellence at such a high level with sooo much turnover!!
Yes I think he’d be a great consult…as long as he’s willing to “share the magic formula”.
Lastly,,,I don’t care if Dabo hires every member of his family and former players as long as they put the best product out continuously. Right now this isn’t cutting it tho. So back to Savana magic formula for using lots of peeps an yielding high success…
Go Tigers!!
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Letterman [167]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 25, 2025, 9:51 AM
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Dabo ought to ask Saban to come in as a consultant for a season to observe and toughen these guys up!
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All-American [585]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 25, 2025, 12:00 PM
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100% Agree
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Top TigerNet [32471]
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Holy Carp! Its worse than I thought
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Sep 25, 2025, 8:33 AM
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A message bored spitballing session to fix Clemson Tiger football.
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National Champion [7884]
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Re: Holy Carp! Its worse than I thought
Sep 25, 2025, 3:29 PM
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Well, David Hood agrees .. at least TNET sees it and is trying .. our coaches don’t see it and are a big part of the problem ..
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TigerNet Elite [69677]
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Preserve the family concept by creating an Academy.
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Sep 25, 2025, 8:44 AM
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Dabo is going nowhere and neither are his nepo hires.
The Clemson program’s very foundation, even its bedrock, is built on an outdated model of family, education, good citizens, etc.
That is not today’s college football but it is our program’s literal DNA.
One solution that might bridge the two worlds is a European style academy system where we identify talent at a very young age, pay them, and develop them. Before you scoff at paying pre-pubescent kids, know that many states including my own (VA) already allow NIL for high schoolers. Think of it as an in-house IMG.
That said, I don’t know that Clemson has the vision or deep pockets to pull that off.
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Head Coach [983]
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Re: Preserve the family concept by creating an Academy.
Sep 25, 2025, 8:59 AM
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Dabo is going nowhere and neither are his nepo hires.
The Clemson program’s very foundation, even its bedrock, is built on an outdated model of family, education, good citizens, etc.
That is not today’s college football but it is our program’s literal DNA.
One solution that might bridge the two worlds is a European style academy system where we identify talent at a very young age, pay them, and develop them. Before you scoff at paying pre-pubescent kids, know that many states including my own (VA) already allow NIL for high schoolers. Think of it as an in-house IMG.
That said, I don’t know that Clemson has the vision or deep pockets to pull that off.
Those euro academies can legally sign guys to binding contracts so if another team wants the player they have to pay a transfer fee. Those transfer fees is what pays for the academy.
In our world in college sports nothing is legally binding and you can just up and leave at the drop of a hat.
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TigerNet Elite [69677]
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I anticipate contracts will come soon.***
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Sep 25, 2025, 9:30 AM
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Playmaker [391]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 8:46 AM
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I don’t think Dabo will take the first step- the short term need to put every position up for grabs. I will predict right now that the same starters will come trotting out next week at UNC.
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Valley Protector [1478]
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
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Sep 25, 2025, 8:49 AM
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I agree with what you said Hood. I would add in there: stop the nepotism, no more yes men, and adapt to the ever changing landscape that is college football.
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110%er [3973]
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I wish I had taken a picture of pre-game warm ups
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Sep 25, 2025, 8:52 AM
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The players were on the ground stretching. While almost an equal number of coaches all dressed the same were standing on the field.
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Commissioner [1205]
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Great article D Hood!
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Sep 25, 2025, 8:54 AM
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Hopefully Dabo is in deep prayer this off week asking our Lord for guidance but he also needs to just look in the mirror and to his inner circle for the answers. The adult daycare for ex-players has to stop. It is getting ridiculous now. Also the secret backdoor to the "Swinney club" for Daniel HS players has to stop. It is high time he earns that 8 figure salary on the field, not just in soundbites and interviews.
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Varsity [119]
TigerPulse: 51%
11
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Re: Great article D Hood!***
Sep 25, 2025, 8:35 PM
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Mascot [28]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
2
Sep 25, 2025, 8:59 AM
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Accountability, it needs to come back. I remember watching Dabo as an interim coach and seeing him jump all over a player for not running off the field when posession changed. I thouht then, this is the guy for the job. Now we got players being told waht to do and they ignore it, yet they are right back out there on the next play.
No starter should be safe if they aren't performing, ESPECIALLY when it's due to a lack of effort and focus.
Each week I watch people review the films and I see ####### mistake after ####### mistake or players staning around with their thumb up their butt. If they can't think or don't want to give 100% sit them. That includes QB2.
Maybe he should review the film and not let players rube the rock who didn't give 100% in previous game.
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National Champion [7737]
TigerPulse: 100%
42
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
1
Sep 25, 2025, 8:59 AM
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Meet with OCs everyday 2 times a day
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CU Medallion [19053]
TigerPulse: 100%
52
Posts: 18878
Joined: 2010
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
2
Sep 25, 2025, 9:16 AM
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Fire your YES men - All your buddies and family hires! Hire coaches with proven championship experience. You don't have "Championship" on your resume then "thank you for contacting us about the job, but we are going in a different direction"
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Varsity [135]
TigerPulse: 100%
11
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
2
Sep 25, 2025, 9:17 AM
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These are all great points and I completely agree. I have a serious question though that has come up recently with some friends. Can anyone name a single player to have come through Clemson in the last four or five years who has taken a significant step forward in their development? I can't think of anyone. In fact, I think a number of players have regressed and that's probably the most disturbing thought. For a developmental program, we're not developing talent. And that's an even bigger issue when we're not bringing in the top talent that we had just 10 years ago.
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Head Coach [923]
TigerPulse: 92%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 25, 2025, 11:27 AM
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Nate Wiggins is the only 1 I can think of.
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Legend [6887]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Starter [265]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Part of making things uncomfortable
1
Sep 25, 2025, 9:20 AM
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would be moving Tom Allen from the booth to on the field. It's clear that there's a lack of effort and juice from the defense (and the offense but that's separate). I know Dabo mentioned he wants Tom Allen to be comfortable and if that means being in the booth, then he can be in the booth. But that needs to change. We were told how intense and gritty Allen is and I think that needs to be seen on the field. I have no doubt he will dig into the defense if they aren't focused or playing with a huge lack of effort. Dabo needs to make an executive decision and move Allen to the sidelines, even if that's not Allen's preference.
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National Champion [7152]
TigerPulse: 100%
42
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You keep saying Dabo is the man to fix this
1
4
Sep 25, 2025, 9:28 AM
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Does that mean the last 4 years he just didn’t see the problems? If that’s the case he is definitely NOT the man to fix this. You can’t correct what you can’t see.
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Valley Legend [12772]
TigerPulse: 89%
47
Posts: 15204
Joined: 2004
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that's been my question for 4+ years.........
3
Sep 25, 2025, 9:43 AM
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in 2021 I heard "Dabo will fix it"
in 2022 I heard "Dabo will fix it"
in 2023 I heard "Dabo will fix it"
in 2024 I heard "Dabo will fix it"
in 2025 I'm hearing "Dabo will fix it"
there's a big difference between CAN/WILL and CAN'T/WON'T
of course he deserves a "CHANCE" to fix it................how long does the Chance last????
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All-American [585]
TigerPulse: 93%
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Re: that's been my question for 4+ years.........
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Sep 25, 2025, 12:03 PM
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🎯🎯🎯
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Hall of Famer [8864]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
1
Sep 25, 2025, 9:42 AM
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Excellent work, Dave!! Well done!!
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Valley Legend [12192]
TigerPulse: 64%
47
Posts: 15203
Joined: 2006
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
2
Sep 25, 2025, 9:48 AM
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The only change needed is to stop playing the best team on our schedule in the 1st game. Play Furman, Citadel or SC State in the 1st game and get the season off to a good start.
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CU Medallion [19053]
TigerPulse: 100%
52
Posts: 18878
Joined: 2010
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
1
Sep 25, 2025, 9:53 AM
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That's not happening. 10.4 million ratings for the Clemson-LSU game is proof of that. TV loves these big openers.
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Rival Killer [3007]
TigerPulse: 100%
33
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
1
Sep 25, 2025, 10:42 AM
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Well, where we're at now no one will want us in a 'big' opener. It's 'nooners for us...
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Orange Elite [5214]
TigerPulse: 100%
38
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Think DHood hit on quite a few things I mentioned
3
Sep 25, 2025, 9:53 AM
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Let everyone know the rest of way their jobs aren't safe & hold them accountable.
After the season, needs to be a cleaning of the house among assistants & analysts (the overall staff reduction piece is interesting too) - find guys who can develop players b/c Clemson is lacking in that department now. Parting ways w/ guys who aren't buying in or aligning w/ team goals.
Portal & NIL are gonna be necessary evils - just don't think you can be elite w/o it at this point. I think Dabo can bring in some proven talent from elsewhere & it be guys who will buy into the goals & vision of the program. Not gonna raid Georgia, Ohio State, or Oregon by any stretch of imagination: but sure there are plenty of G5/FCS guys who wanna prove themselves at higher levels & good/great P4 players stuck on bad teams (ex - Hedlt at Purdue last year) who are gonna come in hungry & w/ a chip on their shoulder & either push/replace guys who wanna be complacent
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Paw Warrior [5045]
TigerPulse: 100%
37
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Uh oh, the pumpers
1
3
Sep 25, 2025, 9:58 AM
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are about to start calling David Hood a coot for speaking some truth
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Ultimate Tiger [34465]
TigerPulse: 100%
56
Posts: 17076
Joined: 2015
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Re: Uh oh, the pumpers
Sep 26, 2025, 9:27 AM
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are about to start calling David Hood a coot for speaking some truth
Pumper here...
I agree with this article..
Don't be that guy...
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Valley Legend [12192]
TigerPulse: 64%
47
Posts: 15203
Joined: 2006
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 25, 2025, 10:10 AM
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I don't disagree that we have a huge staff but to compare our staff to Anderson who is a 2nd year, D2 program with a limited budget is just ridiculous. If we are overstaffed, compare our staff numbers to Ohio State or another peer.
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Orange Blooded [2457]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 25, 2025, 3:13 PM
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We are so overstaffed and overpaid that it would make the Federal government bureaucrats blush.
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National Champion [7884]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Playmaker [381]
TigerPulse: 94%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
2
Sep 25, 2025, 10:16 AM
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Step 1… hire people who are going to “get in yo’ mutha-freakin-booty” when you’re not performing to the expected standard.
I see Dabo on the sidelines screaming at the refs and giving the officiating heII more than I see any coaches trying to light a fire under the players.
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Tiger Spirit [9989]
TigerPulse: 100%
44
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 25, 2025, 10:27 AM
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Keep running the WR screen until they get it right. Lol.
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Offensive Star [319]
TigerPulse: 100%
15
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
2
Sep 25, 2025, 10:27 AM
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I think and am going to say:
WILL HELDT SHOULD BE THE TEAM MVP…. Not just his play, which is great, so far, but showing Dabo the Portal Can WORK…. I’m not saying get 20-25 Portal players but if 8 or 10 WH13 are out there they could light a fire under a bunch of FRUIT of The Looms and get this thing BACK!!!
Think about Coach and GO TIGERS!!!!
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Paw Warrior [4674]
TigerPulse: 100%
37
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HEAVY emphasis on Elite Linemen, "good enough skill" players
Sep 25, 2025, 10:30 AM
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Linemen are the foundation. O Lineman give the QB time to perform and protect, open holes ... D Linemen of course do the contrary.
You don;t want to have to ride the whole team on a few Star Skill players. They have an off game and/or the mediocre line is overwhelmed ... its a disaster.
You just need guys who are good enough ... think Alabama and thier "program or system QB's" Its a team thing.
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Starter [285]
TigerPulse: 98%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 25, 2025, 10:32 AM
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I'm not sure what changes need to be made. I do believe that Dabo will make the changes that are needed but it may take longer than a lot of fans want. A book titled "Who Moved My Cheese?" tells a story about how change comes unexpectedly and those that adapt will find the new cheese in a different place. Hopefully Dabo can find his cheese in a new and different place.
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Hall of Famer [8793]
TigerPulse: 100%
43
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
1
Sep 25, 2025, 10:52 AM
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Tell Dabo to fire everybody(especially the friends and family). If he refuses, negotiate a buyout and tell him “It’s been fun.” Hire young and hungry people from the outside.
Get rid of that stupid football statue in front of the practice facility and bring back the balloons. Teach the new coaches and the team how to run down the Hill like men instead of high school girls in skinny jeans. Have them wear shirts all week that say “Make Football Violent Again”.
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Varsity [116]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
1
Sep 25, 2025, 10:57 AM
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Well thought out piece, David.
The first thing is to put the best players on the field each week. I understand that how a guy practices doesn’t always translate to how they play on Saturday. If a guy is underperforming in the game, give the next guy a shot.
Maybe we need to change how the NIL is paid out. Players are paid per game based on how they grade out. If a guy is paid $5k per game and his performance grade is 50%, then he only gets a check for $2500. We would have more NIL money to spread around. Coaches can tell how much effort a guy is giving and if a highly recruited and highly touted player is loafing and doesn’t get playing time then his NFL stock will suffer.
The coaches pay should be the same. They each get a base salary and then incentives based on how the team or their position group performs. This resets every year.
Dabo is very smart but unfortunately he’s also very loyal and hard headed so we are unlikely to see any changes this year. I hope that I am wrong.
I may be a rookie on this board but I’ve definitely invested in this program. We stayed home for the Syracuse game, only the fifth home game that I have missed since the 1976 season. If something tangible doesn’t change then this season will be the last season that we’ll be buying season tickets. (We certainly enjoyed being at home and watching a poor performance more than being in the Valley and seeing the same.)
I love Dabo and what he stands for and how he cares about preparing these kids for life after football but he needs to figure out how to keep butts in the seats to be able to afford to continue doing what he does so well.
GO TIGERS!!
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All-American [585]
TigerPulse: 93%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 25, 2025, 11:10 AM
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Other Than Firing/Demoting Or Making Uncomfortable "Which R NOT A Plan"....Lead🌞 First Step: Next Game Start Only Returning 2026 Players Across The Board...
Second: DECLARE that Clemson Will Be The
Strongest Rushing Offense 2026-2029 And Make It Happen....Third Declare That Clemson Will Be Consistently Top 5 Defense In Every Measurable Category..Fourth: Starting Positions R Won In The Game "NOT" Practice
And Reset All Practice and Prep Methods..
Fifth: Reduce Staff ...These Tigers Since 2020 ALL OF THEM have That Deer In The Headlights Look IN THE GAME😤😤😤
Too Many Cooks Spoils The Stew🌞🌞🌞
I'd Bet The Ranch On These (5) Steps🌞
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All-Conference [406]
TigerPulse: 100%
17
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Nail, meet Hammer
2
Sep 25, 2025, 11:48 AM
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These are things that (most) fans have been pointing out for years. It just seems like Dabo is determined to do things his way in an effort to prove everyone wrong. Every successful business adapts to the changing environment. Hire proven coaches and let them pick their assistants. You don't hire the best chef and make him work with a microwave. I really hope Dabo is willing to make the hard decisions that are necessary for this program to succeed in today's environment.
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All-American [585]
TigerPulse: 93%
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Re: Nail, meet Hammer
1
Sep 25, 2025, 12:05 PM
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🎯🎯🎯
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All-American [585]
TigerPulse: 93%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
2
Sep 25, 2025, 11:56 AM
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I Hope That Dabo IS Listening...
The Answer Will Be A Very Very Short Leash
On All 3rd/4th Year Athletes IN Dabo's Program
Produce OR Sit👊👊👊
PATIENCE Has Been Exhausted..NO EXCUSES🌞🌞🌞
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Recruit [62]
TigerPulse: 96%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
1
Sep 25, 2025, 12:11 PM
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This article is right on the mark. Dabo's loyalty to people and process is his greatest strength and his Achilles heel. As the CEO of The Clemson Football Corporation, his "stock price" is crashing. He has to examine the organization structure, the systems and processes, and every person and their performance in the Corporation. The time for talk has passed, it is time for action...the shareholders are NOT happy. Clemson Football Corporation needs a re-org, a RIF/down-sizing, an austerity program and a re-focusing on performance expectations based on an evolving change in business climate. The football environment has changed dramatically in the last 5 years. As CEO, Dabo needs to find a way to balance his principles and become an industry leader, again.
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Clemson Icon [24727]
TigerPulse: 100%
54
Posts: 24663
Joined: 2003
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#1 Bench players when they are hurting the team.
2
Sep 25, 2025, 12:35 PM
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If they are head cases, lacking effort, or failing repeatedly, TRY someone else.
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Freshman [4]
TigerPulse: 76%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
1
Sep 25, 2025, 12:38 PM
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Bring in Vizzina, and put Riley in the box. Move Allen to the field. Once Vizzina lights it up then Klubnik wil see his issues.
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Paw Warrior [4965]
TigerPulse: 100%
37
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Is Don Munson gonna compile my suggestions into
Sep 25, 2025, 12:42 PM
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A PPT deck for Dabo? If not, I'm not interested in contributing.
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Orange Immortal [67932]
TigerPulse: 100%
60
Posts: 50606
Joined: 2000
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#1. Sit Klubnik. 2. Put all coaches on notice; Riley, Allen, Luke, Eason, Reed,
1
Sep 25, 2025, 12:55 PM
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Grisham, Conn, Spiller, all of them. They must know that the job they are doing is unacceptable. 3. All positions are up for grabs starting now, and will be performance based.
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Commissioner [1269]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 25, 2025, 1:00 PM
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Certainly can't argue with that perspective, especially the short-term. I hope at least the interior is in full pads all week and going full speed trying to find out who actually wants to play and who wants to be the alpha!. Surely we have somebody there they won't to be tough andbto accrpt nothing less from his tesmmstes
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Walk-On [78]
TigerPulse: 26%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
1
Sep 25, 2025, 1:07 PM
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It all went down hill when he did what he did to Lynn J. Never should have brought in Spillers and replace to replace coach E. How’s that running back stable now? Players see what’s going on and they all talk.
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CU Guru [1517]
TigerPulse: 93%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 25, 2025, 4:01 PM
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It all went down hill when he did what he did to Lynn J. Never should have brought in Spillers and replace to replace coach E. How’s that running back stable now? Players see what’s going on and they all talk.
Lynn J Dixon is the seminole moment in all this? lol a 4th string rb who failed and quit with 2 or 3 other schools AFTER clemson, sure buddy if we could only go back in time and play Lynn J Dixon we wouldn't be in this whole mess.
by the way hope you're doing ok Lynn J.
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Walk-On [78]
TigerPulse: 26%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 26, 2025, 6:57 AM
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It all went down hill when he did what he did to Lynn J. Never should have brought in Spillers and replace to replace coach E. How’s that running back stable now? Players see what’s going on and they all talk. Lynn J Dixon is the seminole moment in all this? lol a 4th string rb who failed and quit with 2 or 3 other schools AFTER clemson, sure buddy if we could only go back in time and play Lynn J Dixon we wouldn't be in this whole mess. by the way hope you're doing ok Lynn J.
Lynn J was next in line and didn’t get his shot. He removed Elliott and brought Spillers in to coach the backs. Ever since then Clemson can’t get a highly rated back and the program has been going down hill. No old players even come back to Clemson anymore to visit. When was the last time ETN came back. On. Recruiting visit with his brother and he told his brother not to commit to Clemson.
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Walk-On [78]
TigerPulse: 26%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 26, 2025, 6:58 AM
[ in reply to Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make? ] |
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It all went down hill when he did what he did to Lynn J. Never should have brought in Spillers and replace to replace coach E. How’s that running back stable now? Players see what’s going on and they all talk. Lynn J Dixon is the seminole moment in all this? lol a 4th string rb who failed and quit with 2 or 3 other schools AFTER clemson, sure buddy if we could only go back in time and play Lynn J Dixon we wouldn't be in this whole mess. by the way hope you're doing ok Lynn J.
Lynn J was next in line and didn’t get his shot. He removed Elliott and brought Spillers in to coach the backs. Ever since then Clemson can’t get a highly rated back and the program has been going down hill. No old players even come back to Clemson anymore to visit. When was the last time ETN came back. On. Recruiting visit with his brother and he told his brother not to commit to Clemson.
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All-Pro [728]
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Orange Beast [6519]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Hmmm...
1
Sep 25, 2025, 3:28 PM
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1. Aggressively recruit the portal and get into bidding wars if necessary to land elite talent.
2. Clean up the coaching staff and assistants/analysts.
3. Open up recruiting beyond suburban and rural kids from stable 2 parent homes. This is not BYU South, it is a power 4 football program with championship aspirations.
4. Tell some of the upperclassmen who haven't panned out that it would be best for them to hit the portal instead of sitting around taking up scholarships.
5. Increase the intensity of our practices.
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Ultimate Tiger [34465]
TigerPulse: 100%
56
Posts: 17076
Joined: 2015
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Re: Hmmm...
Sep 26, 2025, 12:19 PM
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"Open up recruiting beyond suburban and rural kids from stable 2 parent homes. This is not BYU South, it is a power 4 football program with championship aspirations"...
So essentially you want us to become Miami of the 80's?... FSU of the 90's?.
A renegade program?....
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Paw Warrior [4741]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 25, 2025, 7:27 PM
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Fully support the large staff reduction. As an example I heard, another major program (might be Texas or OhioSt?) two on-field coaches at Oline. Tha assistant and the jr assistant coach. Then it’s a grad assistant or two. Clemson has by my count Matt Luke plus three assistant coaches for Oline. That’s alot of authoritative voices out there. Not necessary. Luke has coached much better Oline play with way less. The new rule that allowed so many extra coaches onto the practice field went too far. Dabo can start at that level and keep cutting. Clemson football has turned into a jobs program for former players and coaches. I heard more than one beat reporter remark about seeing people in Reeves with a title but no earthly idea what they actually do. It leaves you to wonder if Dabo knows what they contribute.
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Dynasty Maker [3149]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
1
Sep 25, 2025, 8:22 PM
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I think we have enough inexperienced opinions on staff without inviting more from fans
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Tiger Cub [13]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 26, 2025, 2:08 PM
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Very well put; and I am not sure I would change anything that you wrote....I hope Dabo comes to that realization and goes back to the basics and what made him the coach that he was or is.
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Asst Coach [821]
TigerPulse: 96%
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Give the offense an identity
Sep 26, 2025, 6:31 PM
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I would commit to running the ball 40 times a game. When the D creeps up, play action over the top. Who are we on offense? No one knows, not even the coaches.
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Varsity [115]
TigerPulse: 94%
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Re: TNET: Clemson's football program: What changes would you make?
Sep 27, 2025, 9:47 PM
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Get rid of Garrett Riley
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