Clemson is looking for a new offensive coordinator after firing Garrett Riley.
UPDATE: Chip Kelly has has been hired by Northwestern as their offensive coordinator.
The Clemson Tigers had a disappointing 2025 season, going 7-6 and missing out on the College Football Playoff. Heading into the season, Clemson was expected to be a playoff team, but they fell way short and ended the season with a loss to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers are making changes, as they fired offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.
“I have made the decision to make a change at offensive coordinator,” Swinney said. “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."
Riley helped the Tigers win the 2024 ACC Championship Game and reach the College Football Playoff. However, they regressed in 2025, and Swinney was ready to make the change.
One candidate for Clemson to consider at offensive coordinator is Chip Kelly.
Kelly has a plethora of experience coaching at both the college and NFL levels. He has been a head coach for Oregon, UCLA, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the San Francisco 49ers.
More recently, Kelly was the offensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2024, helping them win the National Championship. He then left for the NFL, becoming the Las Vegas Raiders' offensive coordinator, but was fired midseason.
While the 62-year-old hasn't had success in every spot, his most recent college stint went well. He could help elevate Clemson's offense as they look to get back on track in 2026.
The Tigers have been a successful program over the last decade, making it to four National Championship games and winning two. However, Clemson is coming off their first season under nine wins since 2010 and have a lot of work to do to improve.
Swinney and the Tigers should consider Kelly, as he is an experienced offensive coordinator who could spark the offense next season.