The 2025 Clemson Tigers have not lived up to their storied legacy, with a season marked by uncharacteristic struggles on both sides of the ball. As the program looks to right the ship, the recent upheaval at the University of Florida, culminating in the firing of head coach Billy Napier, presents a unique opportunity to potentially poach experienced coaches to fill critical needs. We break down Clemson's key areas of weakness and identify potential replacements from the Florida coaching staff who could help address these issues.
Diagnosing Clemson's 2025 Struggles
Clemson's challenges are not isolated to one unit but are spread across the offense and defense, pointing to issues with scheme, player development, and overall execution.
Offensive Woes
The Clemson offense has been described as lacking rhythm and struggling with "routine stuff." The inconsistency has been a major storyline of their season.
- Offensive Coordinator: The offense has failed to find a consistent identity. There is a disconnect between the talent on the roster and the on-field product, with an inability to establish a consistent running game to support quarterback Cade Klubnik.
- Wide Receivers: The receiving corps has been a significant point of weakness. The season-ending neck injury to star Bryant Wesco Jr. was a massive blow to a unit already struggling with creating separation and making explosive plays. The group has been criticized for a lack of "juice," and there are concerns about the development of talent at the position.
- Running Backs: The running game has been inconsistent, and the blame is shared between the backs and the offensive line. Dabo Swinney has publicly expressed his frustration with the inability to establish a dominant ground attack, which has put more pressure on a struggling passing game.
Defensive Disappointments
Once the bedrock of their championship runs, the Clemson defense has shown significant cracks in 2025, particularly along the defensive front and in the secondary.
- Defensive Line: Despite being laden with top-tier talent like Peter Woods and T.J. Parker, the defensive line has been surprisingly ineffective. They have been described as being "outmuscled" and, in some circles, labeled "a bunch of frauds." Issues with gap integrity and a lack of consistent pressure on the quarterback have been glaring.
- Cornerbacks & Safeties: The secondary has been vulnerable to big plays, ranking in the bottom half of the ACC in passing yards allowed. Tackling has been inconsistent, and there have been mental lapses leading to costly breakdowns in coverage. Safety Khalil Barnes has admitted to issues with execution and a need to return to fundamentals.
Potential Replacements from the University of Florida Staff
With Billy Napier's departure, his staff at Florida are now potential targets for programs looking to make changes. Here are some coaches who could be on Clemson's radar:
Offensive Coordinator: Russ Callaway
- Current Role: Offensive Coordinator / Tight Ends Coach at Florida
- Why He Makes Sense for Clemson: Callaway has experience in the SEC and has been in charge of a Power Five offense. While Florida's offense has had its own struggles, a change of scenery and the talent at Clemson could unlock his potential. He would bring a fresh perspective to a Clemson offense that has grown stale and predictable. A new voice in the quarterback room could also be beneficial for Cade Klubnik's development and confidence.
Wide Receivers Coach: Billy Gonzales
- Current Role: Interim Head Coach / Wide Receivers Coach at Florida
- Why He Makes Sense for Clemson: Gonzales is a veteran wide receivers coach with a long track record of developing elite talent, including Percy Harvin and a host of other successful NFL receivers during his time at Florida and other stops. Given Clemson's struggles with receiver development and a lack of explosive plays from the position, Gonzales's expertise would be a significant upgrade. He is known for his demanding coaching style and ability to get the most out of his players.
Running Backs Coach: Jabbar Juluke
- Current Role: Associate Head Coach / Running Backs Coach at Florida
- Why He Makes Sense for Clemson: Juluke is a well-respected coach with deep ties to the recruiting hotbed of Louisiana. He has a history of producing tough, physical running backs. With Clemson's running game lacking a consistent punch, Juluke could bring a new level of physicality and discipline to the running back room. His title of Associate Head Coach also indicates that he is a respected leader.
Defensive Line Coach: Gerald Chatman
- Current Role: Assistant Coach / Defensive Line at Florida
- Why He Makes Sense for Clemson: Chatman is considered a rising star in the coaching profession. He has experience coaching in the SEC and the NFL. Given the underperformance of Clemson's talented defensive line, a new voice and a different approach could be what's needed to unlock their potential. Chatman's background in both college and the pros would be an asset in developing Clemson's highly-touted defensive linemen into dominant forces.
Defensive Backs Coaches: Deron Wilson & Vinnie Sunseri
- Current Roles: Deron Wilson (Assistant Coach / Defensive Backs) and Vinnie Sunseri (Co-Defensive Coordinator / Safeties) at Florida
- Why They Make Sense for Clemson:Deron Wilson: Wilson could be a target to coach the cornerbacks. He is a young, energetic coach who could bring a renewed sense of urgency and technique to the position.Vinnie Sunseri: As a former Alabama safety under Nick Saban, Sunseri has a deep understanding of what it takes to play at an elite level in the secondary. He could be an excellent mentor for Clemson's safeties, helping to improve their fundamentals, tackling, and understanding of complex defensive schemes.
A package deal for both coaches could overhaul a secondary that has been a weak link for the Tigers.