Dabo Swinney officially parted ways with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley on Monday, with the full focus now squarely on who the head coach will choose to be the next offensive coordinator at Clemson.

Through sourcing, The Clemson Insider released a list of candidates late Monday, with former Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris being one of the names identified.

Morris is a very strong candidate and would also be the easy choice. A familiar one at that. When Morris took the job at Clemson his house was next to Swinney’s in the same cul-de-sac. They have a strong relationship on and off the field.

Timing is a factor that could help with the selection of Morris. With the portal opening on Jan. 2, Morris could hit the ground running quicker than the other candidates.

Morris would certainly be an interesting choice, seeing as he’s not called plays since serving as the Auburn OC during the 2020 season. He served as an analyst on Jeff Scott’s staff in 2022 and as the wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator at Texas State in 2024.

Morris spent four seasons as Swinney’s offensive coordinator (2011-14), playing a huge role in the development of Tajh Boyd, as well as the recruitment of Deshaun Watson. Having spent so much time on Swinney’s staff, the head coach is more than familiar with what he’d be getting in Morris.

The two were together more than long enough to also establish a good working relationship. They both know what makes the other tick.

Morris left Clemson following the 2014 campaign to take over as the head coach of SMU, but he left on good terms. So much so that he returned as a volunteer assistant for Swinney during the 2023 season. Morris did not take a job during the current season, choosing to spend the year watching his son, Chandler Morris, lead Virginia to a spot in the ACC Championship Game as the Cavs’ starting quarterback.

If indeed Morris is the choice, this time around would likely be different. In his previous stint with the Tigers, it was no secret that Morris had a strong desire to be a head coach. He has now been there and done that. After three years leading the Mustangs, Morris took over at Arkansas, where he served as head coach for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

TCI can report that Morris was open to the idea of returning as the Clemson OC as far back as two years ago, if the opportunity were to present itself. Conversations about Morris possibly returning as the OC for the Tigers have heated over the past few months. If he were to return, this time it could be for the long haul.

The Tigers did experience some of their best offensive success with Morris running the offense. Clemson was 41-11 during his tenure, made an appearance in two BCS Bowls and finished ranked inside the AP Top 10 twice.

The Tigers also put points on the board during Morris’ tenure, something the team struggled with in 2025. Clemson had the three best scoring seasons in program history, with Morris leading the charge, and he was named the National Offensive Coordinator of the Year by Rivals in 2011. He also earned AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2013.