Tag: Brent Venables

Nation’s top prospect takes in Clemson visit

The nation’s top prospect in the Class of 2023 was on Clemson’s campus this weekend. Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton 2023 five-star defensive lineman Lebbeus Overton was in Tiger Town for an unofficial visit on Saturday. Overton (6-4, 265) is the nation’s …

The nation’s top prospect in the Class of 2023 was on Clemson’s campus this weekend.

Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton 2023 five-star defensive lineman Lebbeus Overton was in Tiger Town for an unofficial visit on Saturday.

Overton (6-4, 265) is the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect for the 2023 class, per 247Sports Composite rankings.

Overton posted some flicks on Instagram following his visit Saturday.

His caption on his post reads: “Who else all in?”

He had a chance to convene and take some pictures with Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, defensive tackles coach Todd Bates and defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall.

This was Overton’s first trip to Clemson since the Tigers officially offered him a scholarship back on June 1.

Dabo Swinney and Co. often stress getting some of the nation’s top recruits on campus and Clemson was able to do so with the quiet period currently underway.

Overton comes from a family of athletes. His older brother, Micaiah, is currently a defensive lineman at Liberty. Overton’s father, Milton, was an offensive lineman at the University of Oklahoma in the ’90s. His mother, Eunice, was a standout volleyball player at the University of Kentucky.

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Versatile Peach State defender building tight bond with Venables

Clemson continues to show interest in this Georgia prospect. Savannah (Ga.) Cavalry Day School 2023 defensive end/outside linebacker Troy Ford, Jr. was on Clemson’s campus earlier last month and continues to be in contact with Tigers’ defensive …

Clemson continues to show interest in this Georgia prospect.

Savannah (Ga.) Cavalry Day School 2023 defensive end/outside linebacker Troy Ford, Jr. was on Clemson’s campus earlier last month and continues to be in contact with Tigers’ defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Brent Venables.

Venables and the Tigers remain interested in the versatile Georgia defender.

“I’ve talked with Coach Venables and they want to keep this relationship going and have me calling every week and try to check in with them as much as I can,” Ford told The Clemson Insider. “He basically wants to see how I develop as a player and which position I’m going to grow into.”

Ford (6-1, 235) was blown away by everything Clemson had to offer during his time at Dabo Swinney Camp, but what really stood out to him was Venables’ willingness to go the extra mile when it came to his health.

“Our relationship is really, really good,” he said, “Especially while I was there [at Clemson]. He talked to my parents when I had a full-body cramp. I went to the hospital while I was there and he stayed with us through all that. I really appreciate that. I feel like our relationship is pretty tight right now.”

Ford doesn’t have that coveted Clemson offer just yet, but that hasn’t dissuaded his interest in the program.

“That means everything, that means a lot,” Ford said. “That’s one of the best programs in the country and they’re taking the time to get to know me. That means a lot to me.”

“I like how organized they are,” he added. “They don’t take any riff-raff. They really get to know their players, that’s what I really appreciate about them. They take their schoolwork very seriously as well.”

Ford would love to get back up to Clemson soon. He’s trying to get up to a game sometime this season and hopes to take an official visit later on in his recruitment. 

He took in an unofficial visit to Auburn last weekend.

Getting back on the recruiting trail and putting voices to faces has been huge for Ford’s recruitment.

“It really helps me,” he said. “It gives me a grasp about what the college is all about and where it’s located and all that. Plus, I can really pick and choose where I would see myself before I go to college.”

With that being said, what are some of the more important factors Ford is looking for in a school at the next level?

“It’s how they help me with tutoring and all that when I go into college and really how they treat me and my family,” Ford said. “When I go up there, I just want them to treat my family well and treat me well.”

That’s certainly been the case with Clemson thus far.

For Calvary Day School, Ford has played all over the field. He’s a hybrid defender, starring at both defensive end and linebacker. Additionally, he’s a two-way player and has experience playing both running back and tight end for his high school.

While Ford is currently viewed as more of a defensive end, Venables wants to see how Ford grows into his own as a linebacker.

“He said he liked how aggressive I play the game and how I can see things before they happen,” Ford said of Venables.

As far as his recruitment is concerned, Ford is trying to be as patient as he can. He’s not going to rush his decision. He’s definitely going to wait to the end of this upcoming season and then make his decision sometime after that.

From a goals standpoint, Ford is looking to lead his team to a state championship, while surpassing 70 tackles for the season.

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No. 1 Kansas athlete commits to Clemson, details decision with TCI

Clemson added another big name to a 2022 recruiting class that just continues to get better. Hays (Kan.) 2022 four-star athlete Jaren Kanak announced his verbal commitment to the Tigers on Friday night. Kanak (6-2, 210) is the No. 1 player out of …

Clemson added another big name to a 2022 recruiting class that just continues to get better.

Hays (Kan.) 2022 four-star athlete Jaren Kanak announced his verbal commitment to the Tigers on Friday night. Kanak (6-2, 210) is the No. 1 player out of Kansas and No. 8 ranked athlete in the country for the Class of 2022, according to 247Sports’ recruiting rankings.

Kanak chose Clemson over programs like Alabama, Michigan, Florida and Georgia. He caught up with The Clemson Insider regarding his big decision.

“Everybody’s been saying it and you figure it out, you feel it once you get there, but they’re just different,” Kanak told TCI. “The way they do things is just different. They’re special and they’re very unique. They pay attention to detail in everything that they do and they’re just different in every way. It’s a perfect fit for me and my family and I think it’s perfect for me and I can see myself really developing and thriving in that program.”

Kanak informed Clemson’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Brent Venables of his decision earlier Friday.

“He was super pumped up,” Kanak said. “He’s a big, spiritual guy. He’s really grateful for the relationship we’ve built and I am too. He really feels a strong connection to me and has really liked me as a recruit ever since the visit and even beforehand. He’s really super pumped, looking forward to this.”

Kanak has been a priority recruit for Clemson and those already committed prior to Friday made sure of that. In a recent conversation with TCI, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star DE Jihaad Campbell said he had been recruiting Kanak, in addition to Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley five-star DL Travis Shaw.

This 2022 class is shaping up to be a special one for the Tigers.

“I’ve seen that class build up over the past couple of weeks and it made me want to pull the trigger a little more,” Kanak said. “Pretty much all those guys have hit me up, which is something that hasn’t really happened with the other schools is the recruits hitting me and asking me where I am. So, I thought that was pretty unique. I’m really looking forward to building a relationship with those guys as well.”

While Kanak wasn’t able to make it up for last Sunday’s All In Cookout, he and his family will make it back to The Valley for a game this season.

What kind of player are the Tigers getting in Kanak?

“Everyone says they’re a hard-worker and I’m right there in that boat,” he said. “I’m gonna work harder than the guy next to me. I’m relentless and very dedicated to my goals and my dreams. I’m very consistent in my hard work. A lot of people like to work hard, on and off, but mine is very consistent. If I have a goal and I set out for that goal, I’m going to achieve it. 

“I’ll give everything I got on the field and I’m looking forward to giving it my all in front of all of the Clemson fans.”

Kanak’s biggest strengths are his speed and twitch, especially for how big he is. He’s looking to put on more weight. 

Ironically enough, the Kansas standout is often compared to a former Tiger.

“A lot of people have compared me to Isaiah Simmons, in that we’re both kind of a versatile player that can do a lot,” he said.

For Kanak, it’s attractive to know that somebody has been successful in what he wants to do. Knowing that he’ll now end up at Clemson, he could very well be successful doing the same thing Simmons did.

Kanak had always been leaning towards Clemson, especially after his first visit. He wanted to see if other schools would be able to top his experience in Tiger Town and while some schools got pretty close, nobody could quite replicate what Clemson has to offer.

“I’ve had plenty of time to think about it and I really feel comfortable making the decision,” he said.

There’s also a significance to Friday’s date. Kanak’s father passed away 13 years ago on July 30, 2008.

Kanak’s been more than ready to make this decision for quite some time now. He thought making his decision public on July 30, would be a unique way to honor his late father’s name, he said.

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Venables talks return of Foster, expectations for Thomas, much more

Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables met with the media on Tuesday during the Tigers’ 2021 media outing. Venables discussed the return of Justin Foster, his expectations for Xavier Thomas, super seniors James Skalski and Nolan Turner, the …

Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables met with the media on Tuesday during the Tigers’ 2021 media outing.

Venables discussed the return of Justin Foster, his expectations for Xavier Thomas, super seniors James Skalski and Nolan Turner, the way last season came to an end against Ohio State, and much more:

Watch Venables’ press conference on TCITV:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBm0e9yIA20

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Venables doesn’t want to ‘screw up happy’

Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables has had plenty of opportunities to try his hand at head coaching gig. But so far, he hasn’t found a head job worth leaving his current position. Last week the Clemson University Board of Trustees approved …

Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables has had plenty of opportunities to try his hand at head coaching gig. But so far, he hasn’t found a head job worth leaving his current position.

Last week the Clemson University Board of Trustees approved a $100,000 raise for Venables that increased his annual salary to $2.5 million, extended his commitment to 2026 and cemented his spot as the highest paid assistant coach in college football.

For Venables the reason he has remained in Tiger Town is not the money but the fact he and his family are happy, and he doesn’t want to screw it up.

“If that happens that’s not the worst thing that could ever happen, I’ve never thought so much of myself that I looked at life that way,” Venables said at Clemson Football Media Day on Tuesday. “You want fulfillment, and you don’t want to screw up happy and that’s easy to do if you’re not careful.”

Venables’ purpose in life is to coach and teach young men and in his assessment, he doesn’t need to be a head coach to fulfill that purpose.

“I’m able to come to work every day to chase and fulfill my purpose every day,” Venables said. “So, whether I’m in a head coach’s office or I’m down the hall I’m leading, teaching and doing what I want to do.”

Venables has been the defensive coordinator for the Tigers since 2012. In that time he’s grown comfortable at Clemson and knows its hard to find a similar environment if he took a head coaching job.

“The people, the opportunity to be successful, the players, the type of people you can recruit, the established environment and established culture is hard to beat,” Venables said. “You have a beautiful, simple life in a very connected community and campus.”

A key feature of Dabo Swinney’s tenure at Clemson is continuity in his staff. The same cannot be said about other successful programs like Alabama that undergo major staff changes almost every year due to coordinators taking head coaching jobs at other school.

Venables knows other coordinators who have moved on to take head coaching jobs and later regretted the move. He hasn’t eliminated the possibility of moving on one day but wants to take the right job if he does.

“You don’t want to screw up a good thing and I’ve seen a lot of coaches prematurely take their super whistle and all their coaching acumen and they go somewhere else and don’t have the same kind of success,” Venables said. “I love winning and I love to be successful and I don’t think that much of myself to think I can just go anywhere.”

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Nation’s No. 1 LB, Hawaii’s top prospect ‘very excited’ over Clemson offer

Clemson is in the hunt for the No. 1 prospect in the Aloha State and the nation’s top-ranked linebacker in the class of 2023. Kahuku (Hawaii) four-star Tausili Akana formally announced an offer from the Tigers last Saturday. He is ranked as the No. …

Clemson is in the hunt for the No. 1 prospect in the Aloha State and the nation’s top-ranked linebacker in the class of 2023.

Kahuku (Hawaii) four-star Tausili Akana formally announced an offer from the Tigers last Saturday. He is ranked as the No. 1 linebacker in the country for the 2023 class by 247Sports and the No. 1 prospect in Hawaii by ESPN, 247Sports and the 247Sports Composite.

While Akana waited until this past weekend to report the offer from the Tigers, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound rising junior actually picked up the offer in June when he was on campus to participate in the Dabo Swinney Camp.

“I was very excited and very happy,” Akana said of receiving the offer. “I know there’s not that many people out here in Hawaii that get an offer from Clemson. So, it’s something different. It was big. I was very, very excited when I got it.”

Clemson defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Brent Venables conveyed the offer to Akana following his camp workout.

“Coach Venables, he pulled me into his office, and he was talking to me,” Akana said. “It was after the camp. So, I participated in the camp, I competed a little bit and then after the camp, he pulled me into the office. We were just talking, and then he gave me the news.”

Tausili Akana, a 2023 4-star LB from Kahuku, Hawaii, works out at Dabo Swinney’s football camp Thursday, June 10, 2021. Bart Boatwright/The Clemson Insider

“He really liked how I could move at my height, being at 6-4.5, and be able to move, drop into coverage and rush off the edge,” Akana added.

Akana made the trip to Clemson with his father, and both came away impressed by the coaching staff as well as the facilities.

“The facilities were very nice, and the coaches, they’re very welcoming,” Akana said. “When I got there, they were all waiting there at the door. Meeting all of them was very good.”

Head coach Dabo Swinney left a great impression on the elite recruit.

“He’s a very cool guy,” Akana said. “He cares about his players, and I just thought that was very cool. Because coming in sometimes as a freshman, I know some colleges, when you’re a freshman, it’s just a little different compared to the seniors and stuff. But he just stood out to me in a way.”

Akana and his father also traveled to Texas, Texas A&M, TCU, LSU, Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Utah and BYU in June.

Akana, who has accumulated around 30 total offers, said Clemson is “definitely” in his top 10 and he wants to get back on campus for a game-day visit this season.

As things stand now, Akana added, he is “still just taking in the process” and is “still open to all schools.”

“I just really want to find a place where the coaching staff is great, they can develop me to the next level, on and off the field, and just a place that will be like home to me,” he said.

Akana played his sophomore season in 2020 at Wasatch High School in Heber City, Utah, after high school fall sports in Hawaii were postponed due to COVID, and he will once again play in Utah this season.

Akana’s sister, Keonilei, originally signed with the Southern Cal women’s volleyball program but played her freshman season in 2020 at Nebraska.

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Boulware: Venables is worth every penny

Last week the Clemson University Board of Trustees Compensation Committee approved a pay raise and contract extension for defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Venables received a five-year extension through January 31, 2026, and a $100,000 raise …

Last week the Clemson University Board of Trustees Compensation Committee approved a pay raise and contract extension for defensive coordinator Brent Venables.

Venables received a five-year extension through January 31, 2026, and a $100,000 raise that elevated his salary to $2.5 million. The raise made the Tigers’ defensive coordinator the highest paid assistant coach in the nation.

Former Clemson standout Ben Boulware sat down with The Clemson Insider last week and believes Venables is worth every penny and wants to stay at Clemson.

“I didn’t know he got a new contract, but he’s earned it. There’s always rumors about him being a head coach, but I don’t think he wants that stress or that he cares for all the hoopla that comes with being a head coach,” Boulware said.

Boulware knows that money talks but knows Venables wants to be a Tiger for the long haul.

“Times change and money will make you do a lot of things, but he obviously got the right offer and I’m glad because I know he wants to stay,” he said. “Coach Venables is my guy.”

Boulware played for the Tigers from 2013-16 and was a pivotal part of the school’s first national championship since 1981 when Clemson defeated Alabama 35-21 in January 2017. He anchored the defense at linebacker as an upperclassman and recorded 116 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and four sacks during his senior season.

In Boulware’s assessment, he would not have reached his full potential if it wasn’t for Venables.

“I will ‘til the day I die speak highly of Brent Venables he changed my life as a football player,” Boulware said. “He is probably the main reason I had the career I did just because of the football lessons, hard work lessons, being organized, structured and consistent.”

He believes that Venables’ contributions to Clemson on the field are dwarfed by what he brings to the program off the field.

“I wouldn’t have had any of those accolades if it wasn’t for Coach V,” Boulware said. “He is an incredible football coach, leader, father, husband and Christian.”

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5-star loves how Clemson is setup

Clemson is always going to be recruiting some of the nation’s top prospects and the Tigers have been keeping tabs on one of the country’s best cornerbacks in the Class of 2023. A.. Harris, a class of 2023 recruit from Glenwood School in Phenix City, …

Clemson is always going to be recruiting some of the nation’s top prospects and the Tigers have been keeping tabs on one of the country’s best cornerbacks in the Class of 2023.

A.. Harris, a class of 2023 recruit from Glenwood School in Phenix City, Ala., is the nation’s No. 3 cornerback and No. 21 overall prospect in his respective class, per 247Sports Composite rankings.

Harris (6-2, 185) caught up with The Clemson Insider regarding his recruitment and just what he’s been hearing from the Tigers lately.

“Just how they can better me as a young man, as well as a football player,” Harris said. “Clemson being the best of both worlds as far as the genuine feel and the academics and the football. They’re just making sure that I get the bigger picture of that program.”

Harris released a top-13 list back on July 6, which featured the Tigers, along with Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Florida, Miami, LSU, Virginia Tech, Southern Cal and Utah.

He’ll see the schools that he hasn’t been able to visit before he makes his decision, he said.

“A genuine feel,” Harris said when asked what factors he’s looking for in a school at the next level,” and making sure that they give me the education that I need to have beyond the football years. You can never make a decision based off your position coaches, they can always leave. 

“Just making sure that the whole coaching staff is invested in me and will take care of me and I have a genuine feel from the whole coaching staff rather than my position coach.”

Harris has carved out relationships with Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall and cornerbacks coach Mike Reed.

“Just such a genuine feel from all of them,” Harris said when asked to characterize his relationships with Clemson’s coaching staff. “I like how we don’t always have to talk football. We can talk about just life, which is something that’s cool because you don’t always have to recruit me. I’m still human at the end of the day and I still live a regular life like everybody else. It’s just nice that I don’t always have to talk about football with those guys.”

Harris was able to see Clemson in person back on June 5. He was officially extended a scholarship offer during his unofficial visit, which he took with Roswell (Ga.) four-star cornerback Ethan Nation.

“I loved the way Clemson is set up,” Harris said. “It’s a very discreet location. There’s not too much going on all-around it. I’m a homebody, I don’t really like doing too much. That’s kind of right up my alley and it’s just making sure that you get your education and playing football at a high level. That’s just something that’s big for me. I’m not really a big city type of guy. I definitely like the setup of the whole campus.”

Harris enjoyed that he was able to take in the visit with Nation as the two had a fun time together, interacting with the coaches and things of that nature.

This is all new to Harris. It was different for him because the standout Alabama cornerback wasn’t being recruited before the pandemic. He was finally able to put voices to faces on the recruiting trail this summer.

“This was all so new to me and my parents,” he said. “But, it was a blessing from the man up above because there were so many kids that wanted to get out to college and see what college has to offer. I’m thankful that I don’t have to make my decision blind. It was definitely amazing.”

At the end of the day, Harris is a self-described competitor, who loves football.

“I’m a technician,” Harris added. “Someone who truly focuses on the technical aspect, especially with me being a taller DB. I have to be honed in on all the little things, making sure that I don’t take any extra steps in-and-out of my transitions. I’m definitely aggressive…I’ll compete with anybody, no matter the size, no matter anything.

“Whoever gets me will be getting someone that wants to be the best and wants to go win a National Championship and help his team do so.”

First and foremost, Harris is a team-first player. When asked about his goals for this upcoming season and beyond, Harris didn’t hesitate with his answer. 

“Win a state championship, that’s the only thing I want to do,” he said.

Harris believes that individual success comes with team success and everything else will fall into place from there.

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

Keeping his coaches happy is how Swinney has kept Clemson winning

Since he became Clemson’s defensive coordinator in 2012, Brent Venables has turned the Tigers into one of the best defensive football teams year-in and year-out in college football. Clemson is always at the top when it comes to total defense, …

Since he became Clemson’s defensive coordinator in 2012, Brent Venables has turned the Tigers into one of the best defensive football teams year-in and year-out in college football.

Clemson is always at the top when it comes to total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense, pass defense, sacks, tackles for loss and defensive efficiency. Few, if any, do it better. Venables has also been loyal to the Tigers and head coach Dabo Swinney.

In his 10 seasons at Clemson, Venables has had numerous opportunities to become a head coach, but he has turned down each of those opportunities. In turn, Swinney and Clemson returned the favor by once again making Venables the highest paid assistant coach in college football.

Earlier this week, the Clemson University Board of Trustees Compensation Committee approved a contract extension for Venables, while bumping his salary up $100,000 to $2.5 million annually. He is now under contract through January 31, 2026.

According to USA TODAY Sports’ compensation report, Venables’ $2.5 million salary should be ranked No. 1 in terms of highest paid assistant coaches this coming year, followed by Texas A&M defensive coordinator Mike Elko’s $2.1 million and Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott’s $2.0.

“That was important to Dabo,” Radakovich said about Venables becoming the highest paid assistant in college football. “That was one of his motivations in moving him up $100,000.”

Back in February, the board approved a three-year extension and a $300,000 raise for Elliott which will run through January 31, 2026, as well.

“If you look over the past six or seven years, part of the secret sauce, if there really is any, as it relates to the success of our football program, is the fact that Dabo has been able to retain his assistants,” Radakovich said. “He likes that, it is great for the players, they have that constant voice. It is good for Dabo, he continues to have the same people around him and that is something that I think is really important for the success of our program. And we have had success.

“So, I think rewarding that success is important. We have been able to do that. The board has been very helpful in making that happen and we wanted to make sure we continued that into this year.”

Since 2015, Elliott has been either the co-offensive coordinator or coordinator. He shared the position with Jeff Scott—now the head coach at South Florida—through the 2019 season. Last year was his first year running the offense on his own.

Elliott has been at Clemson since 2011, when he came on as the running backs coach and learned the Tigers’ offensive scheme under former offensive coordinator Chad Morris.

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Clemson officially gives Venables raise, extends contract

The Clemson University Board of Trustees Compensation Committee officially approved a contract extension and raise for defensive coordinator Brent Venables on Wednesday. As The Clemson Insider reported on Tuesday, Venables’ contract was extended …

The Clemson University Board of Trustees Compensation Committee officially approved a contract extension and raise for defensive coordinator Brent Venables on Wednesday.

As The Clemson Insider reported on Tuesday, Venables’ contract was extended back to five years, meaning his contract is scheduled to run through January 31, 2026.

The Compensation Committee also approved a pay increase of $100,000 for Venables, which brings his annual salary to $2.5 million. Venables is now believed to be the highest paid assistant coach in the country.

Clemson also discussed and approved a pay increase for head softball coach John Rittman, while head women’s basketball coach Amanda Butler had her salary increased to $450,000 per year for the last three years of her contract. She was scheduled to make $425,000 this year and next and then $450,000 on her last year.

Butler also has incentive bonuses in her contract, including a $50,000 bonus for earning one of the top two seeds in an ACC Tournament or $40,000 for a top 4 seed.

She can also make up $50,000 for winning an ACC Tournament Championship and $30,000 for making the NCAA Tournament.

As for Rittman, he will see his new total compensation increase to $210,000 this year. He was scheduled to make $165,000 this coming year.

Rittman, who led Clemson to an ACC Regular Season Championship in his first full season, will make $185,000 this year, $200,000 in 2022-’23, $215,000 in 2023-’24 and $230,000 in 2024-’25. Also, if he is employed by the University on August 15 of the corresponding year, he will earn a $25,000 bonus.

Like Butler, he has built in incentive bonuses, including $7,500 each for winning an ACC Regular Season Championship and/or an ACC Tournament Championship. He can make another $7,500 for making the NCAA Tournament.

The Compensation Committee approved the three contracts at its quarterly meeting from the Madren Center in Clemson on Wednesday.

Venables originally signed a five-year deal back in July of 2018 that gave him the largest contract of any assistant coach in college football at the time. The deal was worth $11.6 million dollars, including incentives and retention bonus.

Clemson did rework some of Venables’ contract.

“Brent was really kind of easy,” Clemson athletic Director Dan Radakovich said. “It was basically a $100,000 increase in total compensation, taking him from $2.4 to $2.5 million. There is a split-dollar life insurance policy embedded in there and we added back his one year.”

The Tigers’ defensive coordinator could also make up to $295,000 in bonuses should Clemson win another national championship and have a top 5 defense.

With Kevin Steele not coaching football this year, Steve Sarkisian now the head coach at Texas and Bo Pelini no longer at LSU, Venables annual salary is the largest in college football.

The Clemson defensive coordinator made $2.16 million last year, which ranked fourth in the country according to USA TODAY Sports. He did have a voluntary reduction of $240,000 in 2020, which was related to COVID-19.

Since Venables took over in 2012, Clemson has produced one of the top defenses in the country every year. Last year, the Tigers tied for first nationally in sacks with 46 and were second in tackles for loss with 109.

In 2020, Clemson led the ACC in total defense, tied for first in interceptions and ranked second in scoring defense, rushing defense and passing defense.

In February, the Compensation Committee approved a raise for offensive coordinator Tony Elliott. His annual salary went from $1.7 million to $2 million, making him the third highest paid assistant coach in college football, behind Venables’ $2.5 million and Texas A&M’s Mike Elko ($2.1 million).

“That was important to Dabo,” Radakovich said. “That was one of his motivations in moving up to $100,000.”

The board approved a three-year extension for Elliott which will run through January 31, 2026. Elliott’s raise was effective on July 1. His $125,000 retention and incentive bonus will be effective on Aug. 1.

“If you look over the past six or seven years, part of the secret sauce, if there really is any, as it relates to the success of our football program, is the fact that Dabo has been able to retain his assistants,” Radakovich said. “He likes that, it is great for the players, they have that constant voice. It is good for Dabo, he continues to have the same people around him and that is something that I think is really important for the success of our program. And we have had success.

“So, I think rewarding that success is important. We have been able to do that. The board has been very helpful in making that happen and we wanted to make sure we continued that into this year. We had one round of the folks that we did back in February. Brent’s took a little longer and that is why we are doing this today.”

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