A former Clemson quarterback – widely viewed as an up-and-coming coach – is stepping away from football.

Willy Korn is leaving college football to work in private business, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Korn has been Liberty’s co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach since 2023.

“I love coaching and I college football. But there’s always been that piece of needing to be more available and intentional at home,” Korn told ESPN regarding his decision.

Korn joined Liberty’s staff after coaching six seasons at Coastal Carolina from 2017-22, including the last four as the Chanticleers’ co-OC/QBs coach.

Prior to his tenure at Coastal, Korn spent four seasons (2013-16) as wide receivers coach at Charleston Southern and served as the Buccaneers’ recruiting coordinator as well over his final three seasons there.

Before entering the coaching ranks, Korn began his college playing career at Clemson and started at quarterback in Dabo Swinney’s first year as Clemson’s head coach. Upon graduating and following an injury-plagued career with the Tigers, Korn transferred to Marshall and then transferred to Division II North Greenville, where he started in his junior and senior seasons and earned All-American honors.

Korn graduated from Clemson in three and a half years (2010) with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. In 14 games over his three seasons with the Tigers, he threw for 406 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions, while also rushing for 59 yards and three more scores.

The Byrnes High School product went on to throw for 4,058 yards and 45 touchdowns in two seasons at North Greenville. He also ran 212 times for 944 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Korn helped Liberty to unprecedented heights in his first season there, helping to lead the Flames to a 13-1 season, Conference USA Championship and Fiesta Bowl berth. Liberty finished that season ranked No. 1 in the country in rushing, averaging 293.3 yards per game. Liberty finished the year rushing for a program-record 4,106 yards and 39 touchdowns. The Flames also ranked No. 4 nationally in total offense and No. 9 in points per game.

Korn has played for or worked with Jamey Chadwell since 2010. He finished his playing career under Chadwell at North Greenville.