### Renewal at Clemson: Chad Morris Set to Return as Offensive Coordinator
Clemson is on the verge of rekindling an old flame in college football, with reports confirming that Chad Morris is nearing a deal to return as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator. This move, set to be finalized during a board of trustees review, has sparked excitement among the fanbase and pundits alike, considering Morris’s previous tenure and the impact he had on the program.
### Morris’s Legacy at Clemson
Chad Morris initially served as Clemson’s playcaller from 2011 to 2014. During this period, he helped lay the groundwork for what would evolve into one of the most explosive offenses in college football. His offensive scheme was notable for its creativity and effectiveness, contributing significantly to Clemson’s successes later, including national championships in 2016 and 2018. Integral to this success was Morris’s ability to recruit and develop talent, most notably securing future NFL star quarterback Deshaun Watson.
### The Current State of Clemson’s Offense
Things took a downturn for Clemson’s offense post-Morris’s departure. In recent years, particularly in 2025, the Tigers struggled significantly without elite quarterback play. The team ranked 11th in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in scoring offense, coupled with a disappointing 10th place finish in Total QBR. This offensive malaise culminated in a frustrating 22-10 loss to Penn State during the Pinstripe Bowl, resulting in a lackluster 7-6 record, marking the worst season since 2010—the year before Morris’s initial tenure.
### The Context of Morris’s Return
Morris’s return comes on the heels of Clemson’s decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley after a disappointing season. Riley’s offensive strategies failed to ignite a struggling unit, prompting the coaching staff to seek a revival through a familiar face in Morris. The hope is that his rekindled relationship with the program will restore the Tigers to their previous offensive prowess.
### Morris’s Career Journey Since Clemson
After his successful run at Clemson, Morris took the head coaching position at SMU, where he notably turned a struggling program around. Under his guidance, the Mustangs improved significantly from a dismal 1-11 record to a respectable 7-5 in 2017. However, Morris’s subsequent stint with Arkansas did not yield the same success, as he experienced a challenging tenure with a 4-18 record. Following his time with the Razorbacks, Morris served as the offensive coordinator at Auburn for a season in 2020, before taking on roles as an analyst for both USF and a return to Clemson in 2023. In 2025, he was involved in an advisory capacity with Virginia, where his son, Chandler Morris, was the starting quarterback.
### Anticipation and Expectations
As Clemson fans await confirmation of Morris’s return, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. His previous success at the program and adeptness at developing offensive strategies offer hope that he can revitalize the Tigers’ attack. There’s a shared belief that a Morris-led offense could once again become a force, leveraging the talent already present within the team to return Clemson to its position of prominence in college football.
### Final Thoughts
Chad Morris’s return to Clemson marks a potentially transformative chapter for the Tigers’ offense. As details of the multiyear deal unfold, all eyes will be on the implications this move holds for the upcoming seasons. Will Morris recapture the magic that once made Clemson a powerhouse? For fans and players alike, this reunion offers a glimmer of hope for a powerful offensive resurgence.