Clemson's championship defensive architect trades the Tennesee's sideline for the Colts' defensive line, bringing NFL experience to Indianapolis.
The Clemson Tigers are hoping Dabo Swinney can get things turned around to the way they were in 2016 when they won their first national championship under the legendary head coach.
College football has changed since 2016, with NIL and the transfer portal dominating the sport.
Swinney has been behind in making adjustments to those changes, and that's cost the program a chance to compete for a title since Trevor Lawrence left for the NFL.
One key coach on the 2026 national championship team is headed to the NFL. Per Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, Marion Hobby is set to join the Indianapolis Colts as a defensive line coach.
"The Colts are expected to hire Arkansas’ Marion Hobby as defensive line coach, sources tell @CBSSports," Zenitz posted on X.
"Hobby, who has 10 years of NFL experience, worked with Indy DC Lou Anarumo in Cincinnati from 2021-24. Helped Trey Hendrickson post a total of 35 sacks in 2023 and ‘24."
Hobby had two stints with the Tigers. He served as a defensive ends coach in 2005. He returned to Clemson to be a co-defensive coordinator/defensive ends coach from 2011 to 2016.
Since leaving the Tigers, Hobby has worked with three other NFL teams. He most recently served as a defensive analyst for Tennessee.
Former Clemson players have nothing but positive things to say about Hobby. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell told the Dolphins that he was the most influential coach he worked with.
"That's a question I've been getting all week: Who is one of the most influential coaches for me?" said Ferrell. "Coach Hobby was somebody … if it wasn't for him, I don't feel like I would have become the player that I am today.
"His coaching style and his caring about his players really changed my whole mind-set toward the game. That was so huge and I could never repay him for it."
Hobby, 59, played college football as a defensive lineman for Tennessee. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 1990 NFL Draft.
His experience should help boost the Colts, who appeared to be on the cusp of making the playoffs before quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending injury.