Can Dabo Swinney return Clemson to greatness? What the Tigers' staff overhaul says about 2026 expectations
CBS Sports
by
Brad Crawford
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Dabo Swinney faces mounting pressure to restore Clemson’s football program to its former glory after a period of underperformance in the College Football Playoff. With the 2026 season looming, Swinney has undergone a significant staff overhaul, signaling his commitment to turning things around. The hiring of Rich Bisaccia as special teams coordinator and the return of Chad Morris as offensive coordinator are key moves aimed at revitalizing the program’s identity. Swinney emphasizes a return to fundamentals, with a new-look coaching team set to align on a unified vision for the Tigers’ future.
The staff changes reflect Swinney’s acknowledgment of the challenges Clemson has faced in recent years, including struggles on defense and inconsistent performance under previous play-callers like Garrett Riley. The promotion of internal talent, such as Nolan Turner to safeties coach and Thomas Allen to defensive passing game coordinator, highlights Swinney’s focus on fostering young leadership within the program. Additionally, the addition of experienced voices like Corico Wright and Jacoby Ford brings fresh perspectives to both defense and offense.
Swinney’s revamped staff is designed to address specific weaknesses from last season, particularly Clemson’s defensive struggles, which saw the team surrendering 251.2 passing yards per game—a figure ranked among the worst in the ACC. The Tigers’ inability to stop opponents through the air, as highlighted by their loss to Duke, has been a recurring issue. Swinney’s strategic reshuffling aims to tighten this unit while implementing a more dynamic offensive approach.
The stakes for Swinney could not be higher. If Clemson fails to make significant strides in 2026, questions about his long-term future at the helm may intensify. The coach has repeatedly vowed to bring championships back to the program, but time is running out as NIL and revenue-sharing changes further complicate the landscape of college football.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/3/2026