Clemson University is set to welcome back Chad Morris as its offensive coordinator, according to sources who confirmed the news to ESPN on Saturday. A multiyear agreement is reportedly nearing completion and is anticipated to receive final approval during a board of trustees meeting scheduled for Monday.
Morris previously held the role of playcaller for Clemson from 2011 to 2014, where he left a lasting impact by establishing a dynamic offensive framework. His tenure contributed significantly to the Tigers’ success, which included national championships in 2016 and 2018. He was also pivotal in recruiting standout quarterback Deshaun Watson to the program, further solidifying his legacy at the university.
Despite past successes, Clemson’s offensive performance has declined in recent years, particularly during the 2025 season. The team finished 11th in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in scoring offense and 10th in Total QBR. A disappointing season culminated in a 22-10 loss to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl, leading to a 7-6 record—the worst outcome since 2010, the year before Morris’ initial departure. This decline prompted the dismissal of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.
Morris’ coaching journey has included significant challenges. After leaving Clemson, he took on the head coaching position at Southern Methodist University (SMU), transforming a struggling program from a 1-11 record to a competitive 7-5 season in 2017. He later moved to Arkansas but faced difficulties, concluding his tenure there with a 4-18 record over parts of two seasons before being let go.
His subsequent roles included a stint as offensive coordinator at Auburn in 2020, followed by positions as an analyst for former Clemson assistant Jeff Scott at the University of South Florida (USF) and at Clemson in 2023. Most recently, Morris served in an advisory capacity at the University of Virginia during the 2025 season, where his son, Chandler Morris, was the starting quarterback.
Morris’ return to Clemson marks a pivotal moment for the program as it seeks to reinvigorate its offensive strategy and performance. His comprehensive understanding of the Tigers’ system and previous experience could play a crucial role in reversing the team’s fortunes in the upcoming seasons.
