The Clemson Tigers have been connected to a rather surprising coaching candidate.
The Clemson Tigers parted ways with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley on Monday following a very disappointing season, and some candidates are already emerging to replace him.
One in particular is rather surprising.
Will Vandervort of The Clemson Insider has reported that Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is a "strong candidate" to replace Riley, with sources telling Vandervort that Monken is "looking to get back to the college game."
That Monken is seeking to return to the collegiate ranks is surprising given how much success he has had with the Ravens since taking his position there in 2023.
Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson won his second NFL MVP award under Monken's direction in 2023, and last year, he finished second in MVP voting to Josh Allen ... and a legitimate argument can be made that he should have taken home the award.
Not only that, but aging running back Derrick Henry enjoyed arguably the best season of his NFL career in 2024 and has been brilliant again this year.
Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images.While Jackson and Henry certainly deserve their own individual credit, Monken also deserves a back pat for getting the best out of them.
Monken served as Georgia's offensive coordinator between 2020 and 2022, helping the Bulldogs win back-to-back national championships over his final two seasons at Athens.
His collegiate career began as a graduate assistant at Grand Valley State in 1989. He has also worked for Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan, Louisiana Tech, Oklahoma State (twice), LSU and Southern Mississippi, serving as a head coach at the latter school.
Clemson went just 7-6 in 2025 thanks much in part to a lackluster offensive showing in spite of having Cade Klubnik at quarterback, Adam Randall in the backfield and Antonio Williams and T.J. Moore at wide receiver.
It marked the Tigers' worst finish since going 6-7 back in 2010, which was Dabo Swinney's second season with the program.
Of course, Clemson has more issues than just its offensive coordinator job. A big part of the problem is Swinney's refusal to dip into the transfer portal, but he seems primed to change that strategy in the coming days.
Regardless, Monken would be a terrific addition for the Tigers.