Clemson OC Garrett Riley addresses coaching search, firing rumors ahead of Pinstripe Bowl
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Clemson football offensive coordinator Garrett Riley has been involved in coaching search and firing rumors but remains committed with the Tigers.
Riley was asked about the coaching searches and whether he expected to be back at Clemson next year during media availability for the Pinstripe Bowl Dec. 17.
"I know there's decisions to be made and all that stuff, big-picture wise, but I'm telling you, my whole focus is being here, being the best I can for out staff, being the best I can for our players and giving us the best chance to finish this thing out," Riley said.
Clemson (7-5) faces Penn State (6-6) in the Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 27 (noon ET, ABC) at Yankee Stadium in New York.
Riley, in his third season as Clemson's offensive coordinator, was reportedly involved in the coach searches for North Texas and Coastal Carolina, but he did not land either job. North Texas hired Texas special assistant Neal Brown, and Coastal Carolina hired Missouri State coach Ryan Beard.
Riley was also among Clemson assistants who fans and coach Dabo Swinney were frustrated with after the Tigers (7-5) had their worst season since 2010. Clemson entered 2025 as ACC favorites and a national championship contender but suffered its most losses under Swinney since 2010 and finished with a losing record at home for the first time since 1998.
Clemson's offense was a factor, regressing to average 28.7 points (tied 60th in FBS; 10th in ACC). The Tigers averaged 34.7 last year (18th; fourth) and 29.8 points (52nd, sixth) in 2023.
Clemson scored over 30 points four times this season. Last year and in 2023, they scored over 30 seven times. It was a disappointing showing for Riley's offense despite returning senior quarterback Cade Klubnik, talented skill-position players and an experienced offensive line.
Swinney had two gripes regarding Clemson's offense: lack of run game and not being efficient on third down. The Tigers averaged 131.2 rushing yards per game (tied 98th) and were 55-of-160 (34.4%) on third downs (114th).
"My whole focus is operating here at Clemson," Riley said. "I know this is an unbelievable place to work, unbelievable place to live. Certainly didn't have the season that we all wanted, but sometimes that's sports."
Riley is Clemson's second-highest paid assistant, making $1.75 million annually with two years left on his contract.
If he is fired by Swinney it would be the second straight season the Tigers fired a coordinator after letting go defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin last season.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at DCarter@usatodayco.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football OC Garrett Riley talks coaching search, firing rumors
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