Tucker Israel knew there would come a day when Chad Morris left his post as Clemson offensive coordinator.
On Monday, Morris became the head coach at SMU.
“Pretty much, it was known — probably when I committed — that (Morris) was going to be there for another year and go or he was going to leave prior to me showing up, so I had an idea of that,” Israel told TheClemsonInsider on Tuesday.
“It was just a matter of time before it was going to happen. I’m happy for him. I’m happy for him to get a head coaching job. I know he was wanting to get back in Texas with his family and pursue a head coaching job, so I think SMU is a great fit for him.”
Israel added, “Just speaking with him, I knew that he had the desire to be a head coach one day. The opportunity came along and he totally deserved it.”
Prior to the official announcement on Tuesday, Israel was aware of the plan to name Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott as co-offensive coordinators.
“I have a pretty good relationship with coach Elliott and I definitely have a great relationship with coach Scott, so that’s a positive for me,” Israel said. “It’s not going to be a big change of pace. I think they’re going to run a similar kind of offense to what coach Morris had there when he was there, so it shouldn’t be too much of a change-up.”
Israel is still waiting to see what Swinney will do with the vacancy at quarterback coach.
“Supposedly, (Swinney’s) coming down for a home visit Thursday. I haven’t confirmed that, but he said that about a week ago, so I’m sure that’s going to be a topic of discussion,” Israel said. “We’ll clear the air and figure things out when he shows up.”
The three-star quarterback from Orlando-Lake Nona was in Clemson for each of the last two weekends.
“It was an awesome atmosphere. I had a great experience. It was a lot better than the Georgia State game,” he said of Saturday’s visit for the South Carolina game. “It was good to see Deshaun (Watson) prevail. Even with his injury he showed a lot of mental toughness and character to go out there and play like that.
“Then, to break the streak, it was pretty cool to sit there and watch the game, see them easily handle South Carolina, a good SEC team. I think it says a lot about the program and which direction coach Swinney is going with the program. That’s very eye opening.”
Israel’s final day of school was last Wednesday.
“I withdrew from the high school yesterday and then I have to get my transcripts sent to the eligibility center and Clemson, then I’m good to go,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of time on my hands, so I’m working out and hanging out.”