Garrett Riley wants to develop a more intelligent and effective Clemson offense.

The Clemson Tigers, a team with a rich history of success in the world of college football, are currently in the midst of a critical transition. After several years of dominance under head coach Dabo Swinney, including two national championships in 2016 and 2018, the Tigers have encountered some struggles in recent seasons. The offense, once one of the most explosive in the country, has shown signs of stagnation. Enter Garrett Riley, the newly appointed offensive coordinator, tasked with revitalizing the offense and bringing it into a new era.

Garrett Riley, a rising star in the coaching world, comes to Clemson with a reputation for producing high-powered offenses. Known for his time at TCU, where he helped lead the Horned Frogs to the national championship game in 2022, Riley is a coach with a keen understanding of modern offensive football. His ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college football and his knack for maximizing the potential of quarterbacks and skill players makes him the perfect fit to help Clemson’s offense regain its edge.

The Need for Change

Before Garrett Riley’s arrival, Clemson’s offense had been under the direction of Tony Elliott, who took over as offensive coordinator in 2015. Elliott was instrumental in the team’s national championship victories, but in recent years, the offense began to show signs of becoming one-dimensional and predictable. The departure of standout quarterback Trevor Lawrence, coupled with inconsistency at the quarterback position since, has been a key challenge for the Tigers.

DJ Uiagalelei, the former starting quarterback, was once heralded as the heir to Lawrence’s legacy. However, he struggled with consistency and never quite lived up to the high expectations placed on him. In his absence, Cade Klubnik, a highly-touted five-star recruit, was expected to take over the offense. While Klubnik shows promise, his first season as a starter in 2023 was marked by growing pains and inconsistency.

The offensive struggles weren’t just confined to the quarterback position. The Tigers’ running game, which had been a key component of their success over the years, lacked the explosive playmaking ability it once had. The offensive line, while talented, was prone to mistakes and couldn’t consistently open up holes for running backs. The wide receiver group also failed to produce at the level expected of a team with Clemson’s pedigree.

With these issues in mind, it became clear that a new direction was needed. Garrett Riley’s hire represents Clemson’s commitment to modernizing the offense and restoring its high-flying, balanced attack that had become synonymous with the Tigers’ success over the years.

Garrett Riley’s Philosophy

Garrett Riley’s offensive philosophy is built on a combination of smart, dynamic playcalling and an ability to adapt to his players’ strengths. At TCU, he orchestrated one of the most explosive offenses in the country, led by quarterback Max Duggan. Duggan’s transformation from a talented but inconsistent player to a Heisman finalist under Riley’s tutelage is a testament to the offensive coordinator’s ability to develop quarterbacks and create an environment where they can thrive.

Riley’s offense is known for its up-tempo pace, a sharp contrast to the more traditional pro-style offenses that had previously been dominant at Clemson. By utilizing quick passing concepts, spread formations, and tempo-driven play, Riley is able to create mismatches across the field. His ability to incorporate the run game into the offense while still keeping defenses off balance with the pass is a hallmark of his coaching style.

One of the key elements that Riley brings to the table is his use of RPO (run-pass option) schemes. RPOs allow quarterbacks to read the defense and make a quick decision based on the alignment of the defense. This system, which has become increasingly popular in college football, not only keeps defenses guessing but also takes pressure off the quarterback by providing multiple options on every play. The versatility of the RPO system can help to elevate a quarterback’s decision-making ability, which is critical for a young and developing quarterback like Klubnik.

Additionally, Riley’s ability to integrate the tight end position into the offense is another area where Clemson fans can expect to see improvement. At TCU, Riley utilized his tight ends effectively, creating mismatches in the middle of the field. Clemson has a talented group of tight ends, and Riley’s expertise in using these players as both blockers and pass-catchers should provide the offense with an added dimension.

Building Around Cade Klubnik

The most important aspect of Garrett Riley’s offensive overhaul will be his ability to develop Cade Klubnik into a star quarterback. Klubnik was considered one of the best quarterback prospects in the 2022 recruiting class and is expected to be the face of Clemson’s offense for the next few years. However, as a young quarterback, Klubnik is still developing and needs guidance to reach his full potential.

Riley’s track record with quarterbacks suggests that he will be able to maximize Klubnik’s abilities. Under Riley’s tutelage at TCU, Duggan’s mechanics improved, and he became much more efficient as a passer. Similarly, Klubnik has the raw talent to become a dynamic quarterback in Riley’s system. His mobility, arm strength, and playmaking ability give him a high ceiling, but it will be up to Riley to help him refine his skills and make smarter decisions on the field.

One of the keys to Klubnik’s success will be Riley’s emphasis on building a balanced offense. Riley is not a coach who relies solely on the passing game; he understands the importance of establishing the run to open up the play-action game. This approach will take pressure off Klubnik and allow him to thrive in a more controlled, rhythm-based offense.

The Running Game and Offensive Line

While the quarterback play will undoubtedly be a focal point of Riley’s offense, the running game is equally as important. Clemson has always been known for its ability to run the football, and with the right pieces in place, Riley can help restore the Tigers’ ground game to prominence.

The running back position is in good hands with talented players like Will Shipley, who has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Clemson. Shipley has the ability to be a game-changer, and his skill set aligns well with Riley’s emphasis on a balanced offensive attack. However, for the running game to truly thrive, Clemson’s offensive line must improve. The line, while solid, has been inconsistent in recent years, struggling to open up lanes for running backs and protect the quarterback.

Riley will need to work closely with the offensive line to develop better chemistry and improve the unit’s ability to create push at the point of attack. Given Riley’s experience coaching offensive lines in various systems, his expertise will be crucial in helping the Tigers become more physical in the trenches.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

The wide receiver position will also be an area to watch under Garrett Riley’s leadership. Clemson has recruited some impressive talent at receiver, but the unit has struggled with consistency in recent years. Players like Antonio Williams and Bo Collins have shown flashes of potential but need to be more consistent in their route running and ability to make plays downfield.

Riley’s offense should provide more opportunities for the wide receivers to stretch the field and create big plays. By utilizing tempo and a more diverse playbook, Riley can help free up space for the receivers to make plays in both short and deep passing situations. Additionally, Riley’s use of multiple receiver sets and motion can help create mismatches against opposing defenses, giving Clemson an edge in the passing game.

The tight end position, which has been underutilized in recent years, should also play a more prominent role in Riley’s offense. Clemson has several talented tight ends, and Riley’s ability to incorporate them into the game plan will provide additional options for Klubnik in the passing game.

The Road Ahead

Garrett Riley’s arrival at Clemson marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Tigers’ offense. With his proven track record of developing high-powered offenses and his ability to adapt to his players’ strengths, Riley is poised to help restore Clemson’s status as one of the most dynamic offensive teams in college football.

The journey won’t be without its challenges, especially as the team continues to develop at key positions. But with Cade Klubnik under center, a strong running back group, and a talented crop of wide receivers and tight ends, Clemson has the foundation to once again compete for national championships. The success of Garrett Riley’s offense will depend on how well he can build chemistry with his players, instill discipline, and outsmart opposing defenses.

Clemson fans can be excited about the future of their offense under Garrett Riley. If he can replicate the success he had at TCU, the Tigers could once again be a force to be reckoned with in the world of college football. The next few seasons will be critical in determining whether this offensive overhaul can propel Clemson back to the top of the college football world.