5 coaches who could be the head coach in waiting for Dabo Swinney

Utah just named a head coach in waiting who will take over when Kyle Whittingham retires. Here are five current assistants who could fill the same role for Dabo Swinney with Clemson Football.

Clemson offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, left, and offensive line coach Matt Luke look at offensive linemen during the 2024 Dabo Swinney Football Camp in Clemson in Clemson, S.C. Tuesday, June 4, 2024. / Ken Ruinard - staff / USA TODAY NETWORK

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Garrett Riley

Riley became the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2023. He was coming off a very successful season with TCU that saw the Horned Frogs advance all the way to the CFP Championship Game. His previous resume included SMU, Appalachian State, Kansas, and East Carolina. His brother is USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley.

Riley came to Clemson as one of the hottest offensive names in the business following an immediate turnaround of the TCU offense from the previous season. It was thought at that time that he could be up for a good head coaching position, possibly in the Power Five, within a year or two.

His first season in Clemson did not result in the kind of turnaround that he had in Fort Worth. While his name was mentioned for some positions, it does not appear that he was actively involved in any job opportunities in 2024.

Riley will likely find a role as a head coach one day, but if the Tigers do find success in his second year, he could be moving on for that opportunity sooner than later. A head coach in waiting usually works best when the current head coach sees his retirement down the road, but not in the immediate future.

NEXT: Nick Eason

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