What's happened
Clemson has announced the departure of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and safeties coach Mickey Conn after a 7-6 season. The team struggled offensively, dropping from preseason expectations, and missed the College Football Playoff. The coaching changes follow a disappointing season and a bowl loss to Penn State.
What's behind the headline?
The coaching shake-up at Clemson reflects a broader trend of accountability following a season that fell short of expectations. The decision to replace Riley and Conn underscores the pressure on coaching staff to deliver results in college football's competitive landscape. Riley’s offensive decline from 34.7 to 27.2 points per game signals systemic issues that go beyond individual coaching. The firing also highlights Clemson’s willingness to prioritize immediate results over loyalty, signaling a potential shift in program strategy. This move may serve as a wake-up call for other programs underperforming relative to preseason rankings. The future of Clemson’s offense hinges on how quickly they can rebuild confidence and develop new leadership, with the next season likely to be pivotal for the program’s trajectory.
What the papers say
AP News and NY Post provide detailed insights into Clemson’s season and coaching changes. AP News emphasizes the season’s disappointing results and the decision to move on from Riley and Conn, citing offensive regression and unmet expectations. The NY Post highlights Riley’s background, salary, and the context of the season’s struggles, framing the coaching changes as a response to the team’s underperformance and missed opportunities. Both sources agree on the significance of the coaching shake-up but differ slightly in tone, with AP News focusing on the broader implications and NY Post providing more background on the individuals involved.
How we got here
Clemson entered the 2025 season ranked No. 4 but finished with a 7-6 record, missing the playoffs and the ACC Championship. The team’s offense declined significantly from 2024, leading to dissatisfaction with Riley’s performance. Riley, who joined from TCU in 2023, was among the highest-paid assistants. Mickey Conn, a long-time staff member, also departs after concerns about safeties and defense.
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