If Clemson is going to turn the page offensively in 2026, the next coordinator hire can’t just be a new play sheet. It has to be a signal.
The Tigers are looking for a modern, QB-friendly system that can generate explosives without abandoning what Clemson has always been — physical up front, efficient in the red zone, and built to win big games in November. With that in mind, here are the best targets Clemson should pursue, stacked by realism and upside based on what’s out there right now.
1. Jonathan Brewer — Duke OC / QB Coach
Why he fits:
Brewer is one of the cleanest Power 4 fits on the board. He calls plays, coaches quarterbacks, and has built functional offenses without elite talent. That matters for Clemson’s current phase.
- Proven P4 play-caller
- QB development background
- Scheme built on structure, timing, and efficiency
Why Clemson would like him:
Low drama. High reliability. A hire that stabilizes the offense immediately.
2. Mack Leftwich — Texas Tech OC
Why he fits:
Leftwich runs a modern, aggressive offense that creates space and explosive plays. He’s young, ascending, and already operating in a high-pressure environment.
- Modern spacing concepts
- Tempo + vertical passing game
- Experience with QB-friendly systems
- No confirmed extension tied to his current deal
Risk factor:
Would require Clemson to lean harder into tempo and spread principles.
3. Joe Brady — NFL OC (Buffalo Bills)
Why he fits:
This is the swing-for-the-fences option. Brady’s track record as a QB-centric designer is elite, and his name alone would reset national perception.
- Proven elite QB developer
- NFL offensive structure
- Immediate credibility boost
Reality check:
Hard to pull off — but not impossible if Clemson is willing to pay and sell vision.
4. Joey Halzle — Tennessee OC
Why he fits:
Halzle has grown inside a high-powered SEC offense and understands tempo, spacing, and red-zone efficiency.
- Experience in explosive systems
- Strong passing-game design
- Recruiting familiarity in the Southeast
Obstacle:
Would require Clemson to match or exceed SEC-level compensation.
5. Phil Longo — Wisconsin OC
Why he fits:
Longo brings experience, structure, and a proven identity. While not flashy, his offenses consistently produce QB numbers and vertical stress.
- Veteran play-caller
- Clear offensive philosophy
- Experience adapting systems to personnel
Why he’s realistic:
Older, stable, and available — not chasing a head-coaching job.
6. Sean Lewis — Colorado OC
Why he fits:
Lewis is one of the most creative designers in college football and thrives in space-and-pace concepts.
- Explosive-play emphasis
- QB-friendly reads
- Adaptable to different personnel
Question Clemson must answer:
Is it ready to fully embrace pace and spread identity?