Clemson's Dabo Swinney Sticks With Chad Morris as Offense Sputters

Clemson's offense has stalled, and Dabo Swinney is holding firm. On Sunday night, October 26, he told reporters that offensive coordinator Chad Morris will keep his job for the rest of the season, even as the unit ranks last in the country in passing touchdowns and has not thrown one in four games. The decision followed a 21-point-less showing against Virginia Tech on Saturday, October 25, in which the Tigers managed one offensive touchdown.

Swinney was photographed on the sideline against Virginia Tech holding a large playsheet, which he said is not unusual, but the image fed questions about whether he had taken over playcalling from Morris. Morris ran Clemson's offense from 2011 to 2014, during the program's rise, and returned to the staff after a string of short-lived coordinators. Tony Elliott left in 2021, Brandon Spendier lasted one season in 2022, and Garrett Riley's tenure ended with Morris' return.

Swinney has not sidestepped the numbers. Speaking to ESPN at halftime against Virginia Tech, with the offense holding three points, he said: "It's all coaching. That's 100% coaching. Pitiful. Pitiful. 100% coaching. That ain't the players, that's us." After the game he added: "I just don't think we helped them enough to win the game with some decisions and play calls. Those kids played their butts off."

The production has dropped off sharply. Clemson has scored 28 points or fewer in 10 straight games against FBS opponents, the longest such run since 2008. It ranks 133rd nationally in touchdowns scored with 14, 112th in scoring offense at 21.4 points per game, and 138th out of 138 teams in passing touchdowns. The Tigers' two scoring passes came against Georgia Southern and North Carolina. Tait Reynolds sits last among Power Four quarterbacks in QBR, and the team has thrown seven interceptions against no touchdown passes across 164 dropbacks, per TruMedia.

The efficiency numbers tell the same story. Clemson's drives cover 37.9% of available yards, which ranks 126th nationally, according to analyst Brian Fremeau. The team is 136th in EPA per play at minus .10, 130th in yards per play at 4.85, and has allowed 21 sacks, a 123rd-ranked rate of 8%. Red zone trips have produced scores 104th nationally across 23 visits in seven games.

Swinney benched running back Gideon Davidson in the second half against Virginia Tech, saying he made incorrect reads on rushing lanes and gave up two sacks. "It's not what he's coached to do," Swinney said. Christopher Vizzina's early-season injury opened the door for Reynolds, and Swinney said the quarterback competition would still be ongoing otherwise, while confirming Reynolds remains the starter.

Clemson's five remaining games, starting with Florida State on Saturday, October 31, include Syracuse, Duke, and Georgia Tech. A month ago, CBS Sports reported that firing Swinney was unlikely given the financial terms of his contract. The Tigers' passing attack has not produced a touchdown since facing North Carolina.