Clemson Set to Bring Back Chad Morris as Offensive Coordinator
January 3, 2026
Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney is turning to a trusted name from the program’s past to revitalize its struggling offense. Multiple sources, including ESPN’s Pete Thamel, report that Clemson is finalizing a multi-year contract to hire Chad Morris as its next offensive coordinator.
The deal is nearing completion and awaits Board of Trustees approval on Monday.Thamel tweeted: “Clemson is finalizing a multi-year contract for new offensive coordinator Chad Morris, per ESPN sources. The deal is nearing completion and pending Board of Trustees Review on Monday.
Morris is headed back to Clemson.”This marks Morris’ third stint with the Tigers. He previously served as offensive coordinator from 2011 to 2014, laying the groundwork for Clemson’s rise to national prominence, before returning briefly as an offensive analyst in 2023.
The move comes after a disappointing 2025 season for Clemson, which finished 7-6—the program’s worst record since 2010—and culminated in a 22-10 loss to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl. The Tigers ranked poorly in key offensive categories, placing 11th in the ACC in scoring offense and struggling without consistent elite quarterback play.
Swinney parted ways with Garrett Riley earlier in the week, signaling a need for change. Morris, 57, brings a wealth of experience but mixed results since his highly successful initial run at Clemson. During his four years calling plays from 2011-2014, the Tigers posted a 42-11 record, won the 2011 ACC championship, and established more than 120 offensive records.
Clemson’s offenses under Morris averaged 36 points and 468 yards per game, consistently ranking among the nation’s best in scoring and passing. He was instrumental in recruiting and developing quarterback Deshaun Watson, whose arrival in 2014 set the stage for Clemson’s national titles in 2016 and 2018.
After leaving Clemson for head coaching jobs at SMU (2015-2017) and Arkansas (2018-2019), Morris compiled an 18-40 record as a head coach. His last play-calling role was as Auburn’s offensive coordinator in 2020. More recently, he served as wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator at Texas State in 2024 before taking 2025 off to watch his son, Chandler Morris, quarterback Virginia to an ACC Championship Game appearance.
Swinney’s decision reflects a preference for familiarity and trust amid criticism of the program’s recent offensive stagnation. Morris’ up-tempo spread offense transformed Clemson into an explosive unit in the early 2010s, featuring stars like Tajh Boyd, Sammy Watkins, and DeAndre Hopkins.
Reaction to the hire has been polarized among fans and analysts. Some view it as a safe, culture-fit choice that could reignite Clemson’s identity, while others question whether Morris can replicate past success after years away from play-calling.
With the transfer portal active and quarterback uncertainty looming—redshirt junior Christopher Vizzina leads an inexperienced group—Morris faces immediate pressure to rebuild. His return could also open portal opportunities, including speculation about high-profile additions to fit his system.If approved, Morris’ hire would underscore Swinney’s commitment to internal loyalty as Clemson aims to rebound in 2026.
