Clemson football: What Tony Elliott remaining in Clemson means

Clemson assistant coach Tony Elliott sends in a play to the offense during the 2nd quarter Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Clemson's Memorial Stadium. BART BOATWRIGHT/StaffFootball 2011
Clemson assistant coach Tony Elliott sends in a play to the offense during the 2nd quarter Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Clemson's Memorial Stadium. BART BOATWRIGHT/StaffFootball 2011

Clemson football: What Tony Elliott remaining in Clemson means?

Clemson football got a big shot in the arm Wednesday morning when the University of Tennessee announced Josh Heupel as their next Head Football Coach.

Clemson football fans openly debated the merits of the Tennessee job over the last five days. Though several outlets questioned just how viable of candidate Tony Elliott was as newly hired, Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White went through the search process.

What’s next?

The Clemson football program is now able to put its focus on the journey towards the 2021 season. Coach Swinney and Tiger fans can confidently move forward knowing that the staff for the upcoming season is in place.

The journey to Indianapolis began this week as the returning players began the offseason program. With the 2021 recruiting class in the fold, the staff can turn its attention to recruiting 2022 prospects and laying the foundation for next season.

Tony Elliott remaining in Clemson is significant for the coaching development of newly hired Running Backs Coach CJ Spiller. Having that resource down the hall is a big win for Spiller and for the Clemson program. This offseason is an opportunity for individual staff members to continue their growth as it is becoming apparent that Tony Elliott will be a Head Coach sooner rather than later.

Elliott remaining in Clemson means expectations will be thrown into overdrive over the next 8 months as the Tigers seek their 3rd National Championship in six years.

DJ Uiagalelei takes over at quarterback, the young signal caller had two impressive performances in 2020 in relief of Trevor Lawrence. All-American candidate Justyn Ross returns after neck surgery. Junior receivers Frankl Ladson and Joseph Ngata return after an injury riddled 2020 season. Tight ends Davis Allen and Braden Galloway round out what could be as potent of an aerial attack as we have seen in Clemson.

You combine that with a defense that returns 10 of 11 starters from last fall, there is a lot to be excited about as we head into the dog days of the offseason.

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