Dabo Swinney moved swiftly to reshape his staff following Clemson’s disappointing 7-6 finish, firing offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and defensive passing game coordinator Mickey Conn, the school announced on Monday.
The changes came two days after Clemson closed the season with a 22-10 loss to Penn State Nittany Lions in the Pinstripe Bowl, capping a campaign well short of preseason expectations. The Tigers returned more production than any FBS or FCS program but missed both the ACC championship game and the College Football Playoff after a 1-3 start.
“This was a very difficult decision,” Swinney said in a statement regarding Riley. “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.”
Riley was hired in 2023 to replace Brandon Streeter and oversaw massive changes before regression this year. Clemson averaged 27.2 points per game this season, ranking 70th nationally despite returning quarterback Cade Klubnik, experienced linemen and multiple skill-position weapons. The Tigers struggled to run the ball, averaging 124.5 rushing yards per game (104th), and converted just 34.4% of their third downs, ranking 114th nationally.
Conn joined Clemson’s staff in 2017 and coached safeties while adding passing game and special teams duties in 2025. Swinney praised Conn’s decade-long tenure and contributions to multiple championship teams, calling him “family.”
The firings mark the second consecutive season Swinney has dismissed a coordinator. There's a growing urgency in Death Valley to win immediately. Clemson has now gone seven years without a national title.
“I am excited about the plan we have in place for our secondary and our defensive staff,” Swinney said. "I’m looking forward to identifying the right leader for our offense to help achieve our goals for 2026 and beyond.”
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