Social media reacts to Clemson moving on from OC Garrett Riley
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Clemson’s offseason reset officially began late Monday, when head coach Dabo Swinney announced that the program is moving on from offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. Safeties coach Mickey Conn is also departing, marking a significant overhaul as the Tigers look ahead to 2026.
Swinney emphasized that the decision regarding Riley was difficult and rooted strictly in on-field results.
“I have made the decision to make a change at offensive coordinator,” Swinney said. “This was a very difficult decision… At the end of the day, we just did not get the production and the results that we needed, and I just feel like it is time for a change.”
Riley spent three seasons at Clemson after arriving with high expectations from TCU. While the Tigers showed real progress in 2024, winning the ACC and returning to the College Football Playoff, the offense took a noticeable step back in 2025. Clemson struggled for consistency, finishing near the middle of the conference offensively and failing to deliver in key moments, including the season-ending loss to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Despite the outcome, Swinney was clear in his appreciation for Riley’s efforts and belief in his future.
“I just want to thank Garrett for all that he did for us here at Clemson,” Swinney said. “He’s a great coach, but it just didn’t work like we both wanted.”
Clemson offensive coordinator Garrett Riley won’t return in 2026 https://t.co/3BThx7H58tpic.twitter.com/rihs4jNPaX
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) December 29, 2025
The move means Clemson will now be searching for its third offensive coordinator in five seasons, underscoring how urgently the program is trying to regain stability and offensive identity.
Here’s how social media reacted to Clemson moving on from Garrett Riley:
Full quote from Dabo on the firing of Garrett Riley and Mickey Conn 👇
“I have made the decision to make a change at offensive coordinator. This was a very difficult decision. These decisions are never easy, especially when you really love and care for the people that are… pic.twitter.com/ZWk9szqOiQ
— ClemsonSportsNetwork (@ClemsonSportNet) December 30, 2025
Breaking: Clemson OC/QBs coach Garrett Riley and safeties coach Mickey Conn have been fired. Here are Dabo Swinney's comments on the moves. Specifically highlights firing Riley as a "difficult decision" pic.twitter.com/xrlHJUq5kQ
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) December 29, 2025
BREAKING: Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley will not return next season to Clemson.
Thoughts?
— Barstool Clemson (@BarstoolClemson) December 29, 2025
Clemson has parted ways with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. pic.twitter.com/LrA7kkudaB
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) December 29, 2025
Dabo… now that Garrett Riley is fired and Clemson is in the market for a new coordinator, PLEASE allow whomever comes in to bring his own people. Don’t force a new OC to adapt to new players AND new coaches, and your existing coaches to adapt to another coach.
Wholesale change
— BallKnower (@BsHelmet) December 29, 2025
Here is Dabo Swinney’s statement on the decision to move on from Garrett Riley: pic.twitter.com/4KFLKLe2dF
— Grayson Mann (@gray_mann21) December 29, 2025
Clemson has parted ways with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and safeties coach Mickey Conn. More to come.
— David Hood (@MDavidHood) December 29, 2025
Garrett Riley came to Clemson and:
– failed to produce a sustainable offense without Phil Mafah
– proved he couldn't run the ball without some of the greatest talents at Clemson to do it with
– created one of the most predictable offenses in the P4 because Cade Klubnik wasn't to… https://t.co/fsZB366w09— Squidtard (@LordOfTardaria) December 29, 2025
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Social media reacts to Garrett Riley’s Clemson departure
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