CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson University is on the verge of bringing back a familiar face to revitalize its struggling offense, with sources indicating that Chad Morris is set to return as the Tigers' offensive coordinator.
According to multiple sources close to the situation who spoke to ESPN on Saturday, the multiyear deal for Morris is nearing completion and is expected to receive final approval during a Clemson board of trustees review on Monday. This move comes after a disappointing 2025 season for the Tigers, marking a significant shift in the program's coaching staff.
Morris, who previously served as Clemson's playcaller from 2011 through 2014, played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of what would become one of college football's most dynamic offenses. During his initial tenure, he helped recruit quarterback Deshaun Watson, a future star whose leadership propelled Clemson to national championships in 2016 and 2018. Sources credit Morris with building the framework that sustained the Tigers' success in the years following his departure.
The decision to pursue Morris follows the firing of former offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, whose unit faltered amid broader offensive woes. In 2025, Clemson finished 11th in the Atlantic Coast Conference in scoring offense and 10th in Total QBR, a stark contrast to the explosive attacks of the program's championship era. The season culminated in a 7-6 overall record—Clemson's worst since 2010—and a 22-10 defeat to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 28.
Officials at Clemson have not publicly commented on the hire as of Saturday evening, but the timing aligns with the program's urgent need to rebound. The Tigers' offensive struggles have been exacerbated by a lack of elite quarterback play in recent years, prompting head coach Dabo Swinney to seek a proven architect to restore the unit's potency.
Morris's career trajectory since leaving Clemson has been a mix of highs and lows. After his successful stint with the Tigers, he took over as head coach at Southern Methodist University, where he inherited a 1-11 program in 2015. By 2017, he had guided SMU to a 7-5 record, showcasing his ability to turn around a struggling team before departing for the head coaching job at the University of Arkansas.
His time with the Razorbacks, however, proved challenging. Morris compiled a 4-18 record over parts of two seasons from 2018 to 2019, leading to his dismissal in November 2019. Despite the setbacks, those close to the program noted his innovative schemes and recruiting prowess as silver linings during a difficult period.
Following his exit from Arkansas, Morris joined Auburn University as offensive coordinator in 2020, where he aimed to inject creativity into the Tigers' attack. He later transitioned to more advisory roles, serving as an analyst under former Clemson assistant Jeff Scott at the University of South Florida and returning to Clemson in a similar capacity in 2023. Most recently, in the 2025 season, Morris worked in an advisory role with the University of Virginia, supporting his son Chandler, who started at quarterback for the Cavaliers.
The hire was first reported by Tiger Illustrated, a publication focused on Clemson athletics, which broke the news late Friday. ESPN's sources corroborated the details, emphasizing the multiyear commitment as a sign of Clemson's confidence in Morris's ability to reconnect with the program's championship DNA.
Looking back, Morris's original run at Clemson coincided with a transformative period for the program. From 2011 to 2014, the Tigers posted a 40-11 record under his offensive guidance, averaging over 30 points per game in his final two seasons. His emphasis on a balanced attack—blending a strong run game with precise passing—laid the groundwork for the national title runs that followed, even after he left for SMU.
Clemson's recent offensive malaise has drawn scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. The 2025 campaign saw the Tigers rank outside the top 50 nationally in several key metrics, including yards per game and red-zone efficiency. The Pinstripe Bowl loss to Penn State highlighted these issues, as Clemson's offense managed just 10 points against a stout Nittany Lions defense, prompting immediate calls for change.
Swinnney, who has led Clemson to two national titles and multiple ACC championships, has historically relied on continuity in his staff. However, the 7-6 finish in 2025—snapping a streak of double-digit wins in 12 straight seasons—necessitated bold action. Sources suggest that Morris's deep ties to the program, including his role in Watson's recruitment, make him a natural fit to bridge the gap between past glory and future aspirations.
As the board of trustees meeting approaches on Monday, anticipation is building around Death Valley. Clemson fans, still smarting from the postseason defeat, view Morris's potential return as a homecoming that could spark renewed excitement. His experience across various programs—from rebuilding SMU to advising at Virginia—positions him to address the quarterback development issues that have plagued the Tigers lately.
Beyond the immediate hire, this move signals Clemson's intent to reclaim its status as an ACC powerhouse. With recruiting cycles underway and the 2026 season looming, Morris's installation could influence transfer portal activity and high school commitments. Analysts have already begun speculating on how his schemes might adapt to Clemson's current roster, particularly at the skill positions.
While the deal remains pending formal approval, the consensus from sources is optimistic. If finalized, Morris's return could mark a new chapter for Clemson, blending nostalgia with the practical need for offensive innovation in a competitive landscape dominated by high-scoring teams like those in the SEC and Big Ten.