Garrett Riley, Clemson OC, makes ESPN’s list of coordinators ‘heating up’ in 2023

Garrett Riley could emerge as a head coaching candidate after the 2023 season, according to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.

On Friday, Rittenberg published a list of coordinators throughout the sport who w

ill enter 2023 with realistic head coaching aspirations for 2024.

Riley, who joined Clemson from TCU this offseason, falls in the latter section. Here’s Rittenberg’s a

nalysis on the Tigers’ new OC:

Arguably no assistant coach has improved his profile more than Riley in the past 15 months. Riley followed Sonny Dykes from SMU to TCU, where his work with Heisman runner-up Max Duggan, wide receiver Quentin Johnston, running back Kendre Miller and others put him on the national radar. Texas A&M showed interest, but he seemed likely to return to TCU before Clemson emerged with an appealing offer. If Riley, 33, can get Clemson’s offense back on track, he should be in the mix for any number of Power 5 head-coaching jobs. Like older brother Lincoln at USC, Garrett is on the fast track to big things.

After leading TCU all the way to the National Championship Game in 2022, Riley has earned the reputation as one of the top young coordinators in the game.

Riley has a big job ahead of him in 2023 before potentially earning head coaching consideration from Power 5 programs. The Tigers are hoping to take a big step forward offensively next season.

Led by Cade Klubnik at quarterback, there is optimism that Riley can help Clemson recreate its explosive offenses from year’s past. The Tigers will enter the 2023 season with College Football Playoff aspirations.