Clemson football assistants get new contracts

Some of Clemson’s assistant football coaches are getting new contracts with raises to go with them. As The Clemson Insider previously reported, Mickey Conn and Wesley Goodwin will share the coordination of Clemson’s defense going forward following …

Some of Clemson’s assistant football coaches are getting new contracts with raises to go with them.

As The Clemson Insider previously reported, Mickey Conn and Wesley Goodwin will share the coordination of Clemson’s defense going forward following Brent Venables’ departure. Meanwhile, Brandon Streeter is going to take over for Tony Elliott as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator.

Streeter, Goodwin and Conn have each agreed to new three-year contracts that are set to expire Jan. 31, 2025. Streeter will make $925,000 annually. Goodwin, who will also coach linebackers, will make $850,000 annually while Conn will have an annual salary of $800,000.

The contracts were approved by Clemson’s Board of Trustees Compensation Committee during its meeting Tuesday afternoon.

“I’m just really, really excited about the people that we have in place,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said in an athletic department release. “I’ve always taken a lot of pride in developing our players and developing our team, but I also take a lot of pride in developing our staff.”

Conn, who joined Swinney’s staff as an assistant in 2016, has been coaching Clemson’s safeties since 2017 and will continue doing so, but this is his first time serving in any sort of coordinator role. For Goodwin, who’s worked behind the scenes on the Tigers’ defense as an analyst on and off for the past 13 years, it’s a massive jump to his first-ever on-field coaching job.

Streeter’s promotion is another in-house move by Swinney to replace Elliott, who was hired as the head coach at Virginia last week. Streeter has been on Clemson’s staff since 2015 primarily as the Tigers’ quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator, though he had passing-game coordinator added to his duties before the 2020 season. A former Clemson quarterback, Streeter was an offensive coordinator at Liberty and Richmond before returning to his alma mater.

“Offensively, there’s nobody more deserving than Brandon Streeter,” Swinney said. “Unlike Tony and (former Clemson co-offensive coordinator) Jeff (Scott) in 2014, he’s called a lot of plays in his day. He was a coordinator when I hired him, and he left being a coordinator to come to Clemson. What an amazing job he did with Deshaun Watson, an amazing job he did recruiting and developing Trevor Lawrence and what he’s done from a passing-game standpoint.

“Last year, we passed for more yards per game than any Clemson team ever. He’s just so deserving and so well-prepared. He’s had opportunities to go to the NFL, he’s had multiple opportunities to go be an offensive coordinator in the SEC and elsewhere, but ‘Street’ has stayed here and has been patient knowing an opportunity would come. And that time has come. I’m really excited for him to take the reins and lead us into this bowl game and into the 2022 season.”

Streeter will continue to coach quarterbacks, but Kyle Richardson, who was previously an off-field staffer, will take over passing-game coordinator duties. Richardson, who will make $500,000, is also being promoted to tight ends coach, a vacancy created by the departure of Elliott, who also coached that position this season. Richardson’s contract will through through the end of January 2024.

Those weren’t the only coaches to get promotions.

Defensive tackles coach Todd Bates has added assistant head coach to his title — another void left by Elliott — and will be paid $750,000 annually. Cornerbacks coach Mike Reed will take on the added role of special teams coordinator at $700,000 annually. Their contracts will also run three years through Jan. 31, 2025.

“I’m super excited about Wes being the defensive coordinator and Mickey being the co-coordinator, and I’m similarly excited for the opportunity to promote Mike Reed to be the special teams coordinator and Todd Bates to be our assistant head coach to fill that void that Tony left behind,” Swinney said. “We have a wonderful staff.”

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How will Venables departure impact the Tigers on the field, recruiting trail

Clemson lost the top defensive coordinator in the nation when Brent Venables accepted the head coaching job with Oklahoma. Dabo Swinney didn’t waste any time moving to replace Venables. How will the departure impact the Tigers on the field and on …

Clemson lost the top defensive coordinator in the nation when Brent Venables accepted the head coaching job with Oklahoma.  Dabo Swinney didn’t waste any time moving to replace Venables.

How will the departure impact the Tigers on the field and on the recruiting trail?

Robert and Davis hit the TCI studio to discuss Venables departure and how it will impact the Tigers.

Intel on TCU commit taking a Clemson official visit this weekend

In addition to the visitors that The Clemson Insider reported earlier this week, we can now confirm that Clemson has another official visitor on campus this weekend. TCI has learned that Brodey Conn, the son of safeties coach and Clemson’s new …

In addition to the visitors that The Clemson Insider reported earlier this week, we can now confirm that Clemson has another official visitor on campus this weekend.

TCI has learned that Brodey Conn, the son of safeties coach and Clemson’s new co-defensive coordinator, Mickey Conn, is looking at walking on both the football and baseball team.

The defensive back out of D.W. High School (Central, S.C.) is currently a TCU baseball commit. However, he’s on campus this weekend as a recruit and is currently weighing his options.

Brodey recently helped Daniel win its second straight State Championship last weekend.

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Clemson commit reacts to in-home visit with Swinney, Tigers

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff visited with another class of 2022 defensive commit on Thursday evening. Swinney, along with Clemson’s defensive coaching staff, made an in-home with four-star safety commit Sherrod Covil. This comes on …

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff visited with another class of  2022 defensive commit on Thursday evening.

Swinney, along with Clemson’s defensive coaching staff, made an in-home with four-star safety commit Sherrod Covil.

This comes on the heels of Brent Venables’ departure to Oklahoma, which Covil previously indicated to The Clemson Insider wouldn’t affect his commitment status.

“Yes, I’m All in,” he said.

Nonetheless, Clemson still made the trip to Chesapeake (Va.) to visit with the Oscar Smith standout just two days before he plays in the State Championship.

Thursday was an opportunity to meet with his position coach and lead recruiter, Mickey Conn, who will now serve as the Tigers’ co-defensive coordinator along with former defensive analyst Wesley Goodwin. 

TCI confirmed Clemson’s coaching staff changes on Thursday, as Goodwin has been a fixture on the recruiting trail since Venables accepted his first head coaching position Sunday.

Covil reacted to the in-home viist with the staff on social media, which you can check out below:

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TCI confirms Clemson’s plans for defensive coordinator

The Clemson Insider has confirmed Clemson’s plans to replace Brent Venables as the Tigers’ defensive coordinator moving forward. Assistant coach Mickey Conn and senior defensive assistant Wesley Goodwin will be Clemson’s co-defensive coordinators, …

The Clemson Insider has confirmed Clemson’s plans to replace Brent Venables as the Tigers’ defensive coordinator moving forward.

Assistant coach Mickey Conn and senior defensive assistant Wesley Goodwin will be Clemson’s co-defensive coordinators, one of the Tigers’ defensive commitments confirmed to TCI.

Conn became Clemson’s full-time safeties coach in January 2017 and added the role of Special Teams Coordinator in early 2021.

TCI reported earlier Thursday that Goodwin was becoming a defensive on-field assistant in the wake of Venables’ departure to be the new head coach Oklahoma. Goodwin has also been on the road this week recruiting for the Tigers.

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Clemson stops by school of nation’s No. 1 athlete

Clemson’s coaches stopped by Buford (Ga.) High School on Tuesday afternoon, The Clemson Insider has learned. Buford is home to four-star athlete K.J. Bolden, who ranks as the nation’s No. 1 athlete and No. 3 overall prospect in the 2024 class, per …

Clemson’s coaches stopped by Buford (Ga.) High School on Tuesday afternoon, The Clemson Insider has learned.

Buford is home to four-star athlete K.J. Bolden, who ranks as the nation’s No. 1 athlete and No. 3 overall prospect in the 2024 class, per the 247Sports Compsoite rankings.

Both Clemson wide receivers coach Tyler Grisham and safeties coach Mickey Conn have served as Bolden’s lead recruiters.

Bolden was among many talented prospects in attendance for Clemson’s 30-20 win over Florida State on Saturday, Oct. 30.

“The Clemson game was amazing,” Bolden told TCI following his first Clemson game day experience. “I enjoyed being a Tiger for a day and experiencing Death Valley.”

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Clemson offer ‘a dream’ come true for fast-rising New Jersey DB

A fast-rising defensive back in the 2023 class picked up his latest offer – and a big one – from Clemson this week. Saint Peter’s Prep (Jersey City, N.J.) safety Jayden Bonsu reported the offer from the Tigers via social media on Wednesday. Mickey …

A fast-rising defensive back in the 2023 class picked up his latest offer – and a big one – from Clemson this week.

Saint Peter’s Prep (Jersey City, N.J.) safety Jayden Bonsu reported the offer from the Tigers via social media on Wednesday.

Mickey Conn conveyed the offer to Bonsu, who is now set for a trip to Tiger Town in a couple of months.

“It feels great to know that all of my hard work is paying off!” Bonsu said to The Clemson Insider of receiving the offer. “Full of excitement. I found out by talking with Coach Conn, the safeties coach at Clemson. He invited me to the ‘Elite Retreat’ in January, I plan on taking a visit there for that.”

Bonsu has seen his recruitment take off and his stock soar over the past few months. Since September, in addition to Clemson, he has piled up offers from Maryland, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Boston College, Georgia Tech, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Penn State, Kentucky and others.

According to MaxPreps, Bonsu posted 62 total tackles (7.5 for loss) and 2.5 sacks with two interceptions and eight passes defensed as a junior this season.

“Coach (Conn) loves my physicality and how I am able to move like a corner at my size of 6-2, 205,” Bonsu said. “I play with technique.”

Bonsu, who first heard from Conn two weeks ago, said he is “very excited” and “can’t wait” to check out Clemson in person in January. He hasn’t made any visits this season but plans to hit the road and see various schools in the offseason, although nothing is set in stone yet other than the Clemson visit.

What stands out to Bonsu about Clemson, and where do the Tigers stand with him after pulling the trigger on an offer?

“What stands out about Clemson to me is the culture of the school and how players come through the system and go on to do great things,” he said. “The Tigers are one of the top schools for me. Always been a dream to have an offer from Clemson.”

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Rising local athlete ‘enjoyed everything’ about Clemson visit

A local athlete whose stock is on the rise left Clemson highly impressed after his first recruiting trip to Tiger Town two weekends ago. Greenville High School’s Mazeo Bennett, a speedy and explosive wide receiver/defensive back in the 2024 class, …

A local athlete whose stock is on the rise left Clemson highly impressed after his first recruiting trip to Tiger Town two weekends ago.

Greenville High School’s Mazeo Bennett, a speedy and explosive wide receiver/defensive back in the 2024 class, attended the Tigers’ 30-20 victory over Florida State at Death Valley on Oct. 30 as an unofficial visitor.

“I enjoyed everything about the visit!” Bennett told The Clemson Insider. “The fans, and the tradition they are built on is what really stood out to me!”

Through nine games as a sophomore this season, according to MaxPreps, Bennett registered 17 receptions for 450 yards and three touchdowns to go with a couple of interceptions.

Coastal Carolina gave Bennett his first offer in June. South Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia Tech all extended offers last month, while Clemson is another school that has been showing interest in the rising recruit.

Bennett spent time during the visit with receivers coach Tyler Grisham and safeties coach Mickey Conn, as well as defensive coordinator Brent Venables, and Bennett believes the Tigers are looking at him as both a receiver and DB.

“I spoke a lot with Coach Grisham and some with Coach Conn,” Bennett said. “But mainly Coach Grisham was telling me to be patient, and continue to grind! He said they do their due diligence when they are recruiting and that process takes time!”

“I think they are recruiting me as both… I don’t know the specifics,” Bennett added. “But I also talked to Coach Venables.”

Bennett has traveled throughout this season to see games at all the schools that have offered him, along with App State, Notre Dame and Clemson. He has his eye on returning to Clemson for another visit at some point moving forward.

“I definitely wouldn’t mind taking another trip back to Tiger Town,” he said. “I hope to make it to another game or visit back during the offseason.”

Bennett is teammates at Greenville High with two class of 2022 Clemson commits – offensive lineman Collin Sadler and tight end Josh Sapp.

Considering that Bennett is good buddies with both of those future Tigers, and the fact that Clemson is so close to home, an offer from the program would certainly have a big impact on Bennett’s recruitment should he receive an offer down the road.

Right now, though, Bennett is just focused on putting his head down, working hard, and showing the Tigers and other college football programs what he can do as a player.

“I don’t really want to boost my confidence when it comes to getting an offer from Clemson by saying this or saying that… but I know what I can control, which is grinding my butt off day in and day out – for not only Clemson to see but for the whole country!” Bennett said. “An offer from Clemson would weigh heavy, especially with two of my close teammates committed and it being my hometown school!”

Bennett has a tie to the ACC team that Clemson beat last week, as his brother, Zykiesis Cannon, was a defensive back at Louisville from 2014-17.

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Swinney couldn’t be happier with the play of Clemson’s young safeties

During Tuesday’s media availability, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney had some high praise for a certain position group that’s flown under the radar this season. While Clemson’s safeties haven’t been a hot topic of discussion this season, they played …

During Tuesday’s media availability, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney had some high praise for a certain position group that’s flown under the radar this season.

While Clemson’s safeties haven’t been a hot topic of discussion this season, they played arguably their best game this season at Louisville and stepped up with the game of the line.

With Saturday’s game coming down to the wire, it was the play of two freshman safeties — Andrew Mukuba and R.J. Mickens — which helped seal a 30-24 win for Clemson at Louisville. 

Mukuba and Mickens combined for four tackles on Louisville’s final two offensive possessions. 

It was Mukuba, who sacked Cardinals quarterback Malik Cunnigham on a critical fourth down and then Mickens, who stopped Cunnigham from finding the endzone on Clemson’s imperative goal-line stand.

It generally takes defensive players about a year or two, as far as a learning curve is concerned, but these two players aren’t your typical freshman. Just ask Swinney

“That’s why we recruited them,” Swinney said. “That’s a tough position, especially on defense, it does usually take a year. Last year, we were fortunate the year we didn’t count. So, Mickens is just a redshirt freshman, but he got some good experience last year and he was able to really learn. He’s a very smart player. He knows the game. He’s not your typical freshman walking in here from a football foundation standpoint. His dad [Ray Mickens] was a long-time pro. He was a great defensive back for a long time. He just came in here and physically needed to develop.”

Mickens has since come in and developed his body. He’s gotten stronger and worked hard to get to where is now, seeing a significant number of snaps during Saturday’s game.

“But, instincts and understanding of the game are very natural to Mickens,” Swinney added.

Swinney then talked about Jalyn Phillips, who’s also gotten into the mix at safety. While Phillips is a player that Clemson is excited about, his development hasn’t come as naturally as it has for both Mickens and Mukuba.

“Then you’ve got a guy like Jalyn Phillips, he’s a redshirt sophomore,” he explained. “He redshirted, got a little experience last year, and now…you’re starting to see that light really come on for him. That’s kind of the typical progression.”

It’s quite obvious the affinity that Swinney has for Mukuba. He contrasts from both Mickens and Phillips because he is, in fact, just a true freshman.

“Mukuba, he’s just a rare freshman,” Swinney said. He got a little overwhelmed. There’s a little stretch there where you start, he was awesome. When you’re in camp and really just seeing one team and its base stuff and then you get into heavy install, week-to-week game plan application, those types of things and he hits a little bit of a wall…he’s settled in. He’s learned everything, he knows it. But, he’s not your typical freshman. He covers up mistakes…Mukuba, he’s gonna be a good one.”

Swinney indicated that Mukuba is one of those rare guys, who’s fast enough to cover up some of the mistakes he may make as an 18-year-old. 

He went on to praise the entire group and the job that safeties coach Mickey Conn has done with his particular unit.

“That whole group, I’m really pleased with the safeties. Nolan [Turner] has done a great job. He’s played banged up too. He’s been a great leader for us. Our safety group has been a real plus for us. Mickey has done a great job.”

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Top Georgia athlete ‘loved’ his experience at Clemson

Loganville (Ga.) Grayson High School had a large contingent of players on hand for Clemson’s 30-20 win over Florida State this past Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Among those in attendance was one of the top athletes in the nation for the 2024 class …

Loganville (Ga.) Grayson High School had a large contingent of players on hand for Clemson’s 30-20 win over Florida State this past Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Among those in attendance was one of the top athletes in the nation for the 2024 class — Joseph Stone, Jr. He caught up with The Clemson Insider regarding his game-day experience in Death Valley this past weekend.

“I loved my experience at Clemson,” Stone told TCI. “From pulling up to the parking lot, to seeing the Georgia sign on the way home, I enjoyed everything. I would say the highlight is when my former teammate got it (Phil Mafah) and had a great run to put Clemson in a position to score. I’m so glad to be able to see someone where I come from play on a huge stage the way he does.”

Mafah’s 63-yard run during Saturday’s contest was Clemson’s longest play from scrimmage this season.

Stone holds a close relationship with Clemson safeties coach Mickey Conn, who used to be Grayson’s head coach, prior to his stint in Clemson.

With that being said, what type of feedback did Stone get from Clemson and its coaching staff on his visit?

“The feedback I was getting was more of life than football,” he said. “We talked about football, but really the talks were more on joyful moments and things I could do better in the world.”

Stone currently ranks as the No. 12 athlete and No. 68 overall prospect in the class of 2024, according to the 247Sports Composite.

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