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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CJ Spiller

Spiller is one of the biggest stars in program history. He will soon be added to the Clemson Ring of Honor, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon Clemson Athletics alums. He is already a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

He is also the least experienced candidate on this list. He joined Swinney’s staff as an unpaid intern in 2020 before being named an assistant coach in 2021. He was put in charge of the running backs and has held that position for the past three seasons.

It has taken time for Spiller to be accepted by the fanbase as a coach. His promotion seemed very quick. The running backs experienced quite a bit of drama when the 2021 season kicked off. He had some stumbles in recruiting his first couple of cycles.

Over the past couple of seasons, Spiller has begun to earn the respect of the fanbase for more than being just a great player. He led the 2021 group from controversy to being a strength of the team by the end of the season, a process that involved the unfortunate but necessary exit of a veteran player. He has been able to get commitments from his primary recruiting targets in both the 2024 and 2025 classes.

He put his first pupil in the NFL this offseason when Will Shipley was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. He might score his second with Phil Mafah after this season.

I think most people would agree that Spiller needs more experience, but he has done a good job developing as a leader in just a few short years.

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