As we all know, the landscape of college football has changed forever. Conference realignment is in full swing, with multiple programs preparing for a departure to what they believe is greener pastures.
Clemson athletic director Graham Neff met with the media on Tuesday and discussed the future of Clemson sports. This included realignment, which the Tigers have been a huge name in the rumor mill.
“I couldn’t be more confident and more proud of how Clemson is viewed nationally, and again, so much work goes into that at all levels in the alignment that we talk about so much – from our board of trustees, President (Jim) Clements of course, who is so well read and engaged and networked in college athletics and what that means for Clemson, let alone the industry,” Neff said.
“So that alignment that we talk about often, it is really so critical when it relates to institutional decisions… as the changing landscape of college athletics is. And when we talk about that, it means a whole lot more than just conference affiliation – collegiate athletics model, football, CFP scheduling we talked about, and all the things. So, that consistent communication and strategy and alignment is something that really shows through, and I think we are so well positioned and really differently in that regard.”
So, what is the plan? For Neff, it is whatever is best for Clemson. Whether you like change or not, it will come if it benefits the Tigers. That doesn’t mean that the program won’t do everything in its power to continue to make the ACC great.
“We’re going to continue to do what’s best for Clemson and to be incredibly well read on all things landscape, network, contacts at all levels,” he said. “And yeah, we have consultants and support that we look to do that, and it’s my job to continue to position us and to be connected and to be nimble and strategic as it relates to the changing landscape.”
“That’s really important, and that means day-to-day in meetings and strategy and football scheduling, all those things, how we talk about that publicly, like I’m doing here, and otherwise,” Neff said. “And we have a lot of staff and coaches in public meetings that are really important that we’re aligned in being great members of the conference we’re in. That’s our obligation as Clemson, and we have a duty to help raise the value of our conference and the ACC, and that’s what we’re going to continue to do while looking out and doing what’s best for Clemson.”
As usual, we just have to sit and wait for what’s next.