Clemson Football: Jeff Scott has found a new challenge
By John Chancey
Clemson Football has a robust staff, with several analysts joining the on-field coaches. Several former players have a role in the program, as well as former coaches.
Former offensive coordinator Chad Morris is part of the staff for the 2023 season. Tajh Boyd, James Davis, and Tyrone Crowder are just a few examples of alums who now work for the program.
One other high-profile former coach was rumored to have joined the staff at one point, but now we have confirmation that he has accepted a different coaching gig, and even he realizes it might be the biggest challenge of his career.
Jeff Scott has entered the world of youth soccer.
For those who are unfamiliar with the drama surrounding Coach Scott’s coaching plans for 2023, here is a brief recap.
Scott was relieved of his position as the head coach at South Florida following the 2022 season. Shortly after Garrett Riley was hired as the offensive coordinator, 247Sports’ Brad Crawford, who is a known Gamecock homer, posted this on X (Twitter.)
This got a lot of Tiger fans excited because Scott was the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at a point when that position group was helping Clemson win national championships.
There was only one problem: it wasn’t true.
Clemson insiders quickly noted that they were having trouble confirming the validity of Crawford’s post. There was no official announcement from Coach Swinney or the university.
This information spread slowly at first because it was behind a paywall, so many Clemson fans went about their business believing Coach Scott was on staff for the 2023 season.
Eventually, the insiders confirmed that Scott was not on staff, and he intended to take some time off. He and his family did relocate to Clemson, which made him a prime candidate to help out with the Dabo Swinney youth camp this summer.
Jeff Scott isn’t on the Clemson Football staff because he has other priorities
Unfortunately, this further confused Clemson fans who had not heard that Crawford’s post was erroneous. To this day, I still see Clemson fans who post on social media about Scott working with the team. I honestly wouldn’t be shocked to see someone comment on this article’s post on social media that Scott is working with the team.
The most common reason given for Scott’s motivation for not taking a coaching job this season is that he wants time to decompress and spend time with his family. I’ve coached my children in soccer for several years, and while it can be hard work (as Scott has already learned), it is also immensely gratifying.
Good luck this season, 4U Coed Instructional Soccer Coach Scott! Get your rest, you’ll need it.