CLEMSON — With the early signing day completed, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney will now turn his attention to other needs. Of course, one of those needs will be with his coaching staff.

Through sourcing, The Clemson Insider has learned that the Tigers’ search for a new offensive coordinator has begun. As we reported earlier this week, current offensive coordinator Garrett Riley will not return for the 2026 season.

We know Riley was in line for the head coaching job at North Texas, but that opportunity did not work out for him.

TCI was told through a source on Wednesday about a candidate to replace Riley. We won’t release the candidate’s name at this time. He is currently a coordinator at an ACC school.

We were also told this candidate is a top candidate for the OC job at an SEC school. Though he is a candidate to replace Riley at Clemson, we cannot say at this time if he is Swinney’s top choice. With an SEC school after the candidate timing may be important.

However, we do know this candidate has ties to a member of the Clemson coaching staff.

TCI has spent the last several weeks talking to our sources to get a sense of what might go down in the days and weeks to come when it comes to the coaching staff. We can tell you Swinney met with his team and coaches this week and is currently hosting individual meetings with his players, as well.

As we reported last month, we expect there to be several changes on the coaching staff and with the support staff. Some of those are already in motion.

TCI reported earlier Wednesday that senior offensive assistant coach John Grass is expected to be named the new head coach at Samford. Reports out of Alabama have since confirmed our report.

According to what TCI was told, Grass possibly could take some staff members with him. One of those staffers could possibly be safeties coach Mickey Conn, who we do not expect to return to Clemson.

Stay tuned to TCI for more information as it comes available.