How Garrett Riley's First Spring is Progressing
Clemson football under Dabo Swinney has not been a place where change amongst the staff is seen very often. However, since Tony Elliott and Jeff Scott combined for one of the greatest, if not THE greatest, offensive stretches in team history, it has been a little bit of a struggle to get the offense back to the level it was when it terrified defenses on its way to two national championships.
With that said, there is plenty of optimism surrounding new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley after what he was able to do with TCU this past year. There is certainly some pressure for Riley to make an impact this year due to the past couple of seasons that have fallen short of the standard Tigers fans have become accustomed to.
Garrett Riley is entering his first season as Clemson's offensive coordinator.
So how is the new OC faring with his first crack at getting to know his team? The head man talked to 247Sports recently and shared some thoughts. “He’s great, Swinney said, "They’re (assistant coaches) all about the same age. …They’re all about the same, they all have great experience and it’s easy for them to communicate because again, it’s just they call something different but it’s still ball. But it’s been great — getting everybody on the same page. That’s probably been the biggest thing — especially when you hire a guy coming in who really doesn’t know anybody — kind of like when I hired Brent (Venables).
Comparing Riley's impact to that of the now head coach at Oklahoma is a powerful message to fans of what Dabo thinks of the potential there. To keep that comparison going coach Swinney said, "He came in and I had a great staff and did a great job — same thing with Garrett — just coming in and installing what he wants to install and getting on the same page. Just really good. He’s got a great demeanor. The biggest thing I like about Garrett is he’s very confident and he’s really got great energy every single day. I love that about him, and that just resonates with everyone. They’ve done a good job. I think they’ve all had a lot of fun.”
A positive presence may account for more than most think in college culture. Football acumen is one thing but whether the way the fanbase felt about last year infiltrated the team or not there was a noticeable need for a shift. For now, the vibes on and off the field appear to be turning in the right direction for 2023.
