Even if the 2023 college football season wasn’t what the Clemson football program was hoping for on offense, they have one of the brightest young minds as their offensive coordinator.
Garrett Riley was an incredibly hot name when he joined the Tigers as a young, up-and-coming coach. Helping lead TCU to the national championship in 2022, Riley also won the 2022 Broyles Award for the top coordinator in college football. While he didn’t reach expectations in 2023, the upcoming season could be very different.
During Dabo Swinney’s Media Outing at the Allen Reeves Football Complex on Tuesday, Riley addressed the possible head coaching offers down the road. While they are a real possibility, he’s focused on right now with the Tigers.
“You have long-term goals and try to set out some things for yourself in your professional career and life,” Riley said. “But I definitely am one of those that man, wherever I’m at, I’m there. If something happens, we’ll see. But I’m certainly happy with where I’m at.”
Clemson’s offense didn’t meet high expectations last season, but they still had notable achievements. Under Riley, the team ranked No. 15 nationally in first downs per game with an average of 23.4, the ninth-best in school history. They also averaged 76.8 plays per game, their highest since 2016. These stats show Riley’s strategy was effective despite the team’s overall performance.
“Just a lot of organizational things, and obviously the program and just the way he carries himself and how consistent he is every single day. Those are things that certainly stick out,” Riley said. “It’s definitely been a joy to just be a sponge and be around him, as well as a lot of the other staff that have been here a long time. It’s been great.”
Clemson’s ceiling on offense in 2024 is one of the best in the country.