Clemson has made staff changes following a disappointing finish to the 2025 season.
Clemson has made some key changes to the staff following the team's disappointing 7-5 finish to the season, capped off even worse by the 22-10 loss to Penn State in Pinstripe Bowl.
The Tigers will not retain offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Garrett Riley or safeties coach Mickey Conn.
Head coach Dabo Swinney released a statement on his decision to move on from this pair of coaches Monday after the announcement.
"I just want to thank Garrett for all that he did for us here at Clemson leading us and helping us secure another ACC championship in 2024 and get us back to the College Football Playoff that year. I appreciate all his efforts on behalf of our players and our program. Garrett is smart, he’s got great work ethic and he’s a great coach, but it just didn’t work like we both wanted. He’s got an amazing career ahead and he’ll be a great head coach in the future.
I have made the decision to make a change at offensive coordinator. This was a very difficult decision. These decisions are never easy, especially when you really love and care for the people that are involved, and I deeply love and care for Garrett Riley and his family. At the end of the day, we just did not get the production and the results that we needed, and I just feel like it is time for a change, and so we will be moving in a different direction with a new offensive coordinator."
Swinney had similar words about Conn.
“I’m just so appreciative of Mickey and the great contribution that he’s made at Clemson over the last decade," Swinney said.
"I’m thankful for his family as well. I’m excited for upcoming opportunities he may have to go and call a defense and take the next step in his career. I’m forever grateful for Mickey and all the outstanding players he’s coached and all the memorable wins and championships we’ve earned together in the last decade."
The Clemson offense didn't meet the expectations, with room for argument that quarterbacks Cade Klubnik -- was ranked as highly as No. 1 college football player in the nation in the preseason -- didn't get rise to the occasion perhaps partially due to Riley's coaching.
Clemson was No. 61 in the nation with an average of 5.76 yards per play (61st nationally) and No. 71 in points per game at 27.2 PPG in 2025.
The Tigers have a long journey ahead as they look to bounce back after failing to win at least nine games for the first time since 2009.