The Clemson coaching staff is nearly complete, but one major vacancy remains: the Special Teams Coordinator.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney confirmed on Wednesday that he is "close" to making a decision to replace Will Gilchrist, who departed for Samford earlier this offseason.
"I’m close to a decision, and hopefully close to finalizing that here pretty soon," Swinney told reporters.
The search is critical for a unit that Swinney admitted needs more "precision and details" after a roller-coaster 2025 season. While the Tigers found stability in the kicking game late last year, the return units and coverage teams have been points of emphasis in the "how we do what we do" fundamentals of spring ball.
Swinney noted that the new hire will need to be someone who can get the "entire team all in" on the standard of special teams play. Meanwhile, Swinney has seen a collaborative effort from the staff, including veteran influences like Freddy Kitchens and the returning Jacoby Ford. However, the "title sponsor" for the third phase of the game is expected to be named before the spring game on March 28.
"It’s all part of the process," Swinney said of the hire. "You don't just snap your fingers and have it... leadership is nurtured."