A member of Dabo Swinney’s coaching staff at Clemson is at the center of an in-state school’s search for a new head coach.

According to a report from FootballScoop, FCS program Furman is targeting Mike Houston to be its next head football coach. Houston is currently in his second season as a volunteer assistant on Swinney’s staff, helping on the defensive side of the ball.

The Paladins are looking to replace Clay Hendrix, who announced last month plans to step down at the conclusion of the current season.

Houtson, 59, spent two seasons as head coach at The Citadel (2014-15), winning the Southern Conference title in his second season. He was the head coach at James Madison, which included a 37-6 overall record and winning an FCS national championship in 2016. He then went on to spend more than five years as head coach at East Carolina before being dismissed in October of 2024 after going 27-38.