Clemson Football: Assistants who need a big 2023

Tyler Grisham

Following the dismissal of Brandon Streeter, the most criticized member of the Clemson Football coaching staff is Grisham, who was promoted to wide receivers coach before the 2020 season.

The Tigers had success at receiver under his predecessor, Jeff Scott, who left to become the head coach of the South Florida Bulls. Grisham had been a graduate assistant and an offensive analyst on the support staff since 2014, so the thinking was that he had mentored under Scott enough that he could step in and keep the ball rolling.

The receivers performed well under the circumstances of the 2020 season when three of Grisham’s top players – Justyn Ross, Joseph Ngata, and Frank Ladson – were all lost to injury by mid-season. The wheels fell off in 2021 when production from the receivers plummeted.

There has been debate whether the problems originated from elsewhere (most notably quarterback play) or if the receivers simply weren’t very good. A slightly better 2022 season didn’t shine much light on the source of problems.

As the team approaches 2023, the outside influences have been turned over. Cade Klubnik is taking over for DJ Uiagalelei. The aging offense utilized by Tony Elliott and Brandon Streeter is being replaced with Garrett Riley’s new system.

If the receivers can’t perform in a system designed for them to perform, that will be a strong indictment of Grisham.