This upcoming season will be Thomas Austin’s first as Clemson’s offensive line coach, and despite only being nearly six months into his new role, he is already making an impression on newcomers and veterans.
Speaking at a Dear Old Clemson event on Sunday, four-star freshman Collin Sadler elaborated on what it’s like having Austin as his position coach.
“It’s great,” Sadler said. “He’s a great father figure to me and a great mentor. He really brings a family atmosphere. He invited us to his house several times, and you can see how he treats his family and how he treats us, and there’s really no difference.”
Officially promoted to his new position in February, Austin replaces the long-tenured Robbie Caldwell, who was Clemson’s offensive line coach from 2011 to 2021.
Austin’s coaching ability also seems to resonate with tackle Jordan McFadden, who is entering his fifth year with the Tigers and had Caldwell as his coach for the past four seasons.
“I love coach Austin,” McFadden said at ACC media day on July 20. “He’s genuine, and he cares about us. He played in the NFL. He’s been where I want to go eventually. He has a ton of knowledge. He’s not necessarily a big yeller or anything like that, but he gets his message across very well.”
Austin spent four seasons on Clemson’s coaching staff from 2015 to 2018 and returned for the 2021 season after a two-year stint at Georgia State.
Before his coaching career began, he played three years at Clemson from 2006 to 2009 and took his talents to the NFL for four seasons.
As Clemson’s offensive line looks to improve from last year, Sadler and McFadden’s praise speaks volumes to the group’s belief in Austin as their coach.
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