Clemson’s spring practice is here and there’s going to be more than a few new players to watch.
Now that it’s here most want to look at the different players and positions on both sides of the ball at Clemson but today let’s take a another minute to look at the different coaches that are coming in and the new position assignments within the coaching staff.
The most notable of course is former Tiger great C.J. Spiller, who was named the running backs coach earlier this month. As many already know, Spiller will have some huge shoes to fill since this role was previously held by offensive coordinator Tony Elliott. Spiller has done well on the big stage before and many think he has a wealth of knowledge to give the backs under his direction.
The Clemson legend joins the Tigers coaching staff on a full-time basis after joining the program as an unpaid coaching intern in 2020, while pursuing his Master’s degree in athletic leadership. Before getting into coaching Spiller was one of the most decorated players in Clemson history. This included his selection in January for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021.
When the decision was announced, Spiller made sure to show his appreciation to those that made this opportunity happen.
“I’m definitely excited for this job and express my gratitude to Coach Swinney, Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich and the Board of Trustees, and I thank them for trusting me with the opportunity to have an impact on these young men’s lives and represent our university in a first-class manner,” Spiller said.
He also made it very clear how excited he is and how seriously he is taking this opportunity.
“It doesn’t happen very often that you’re able to coach at your alma mater, especially in your first gig,” Spiller said. “And for me to have that opportunity, I don’t take it lightly. I’m just ecstatic about getting started.”
This hire also makes Spiller the fourth Clemson graduate among the Tigers 10 full-time assistant coaches. He joins quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter, assistant head coach/offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Tony Elliott. and wide receivers coach Tyler Grisham.
With Spiller now taking over the role formerly coached by Elliott that means Clemson’s offensive coordinator will now move over and coach the tight ends. A move that some would think will give Elliott, who’s already been looked at by a number of teams as head coach material, even more of a chance to show others what he is capable of.
Other hires include former sniper for the 101st Airborne, who served two tours in Afghanistan, Daniel Boyd as defensive player development coach, former University of West Florida quarterback Kaleb Nobles as offensive player development coach, former Tigers starting quarterback Cole Stoudt as offensive player development coach, and former Alabama quarterback Andrew Zow as an offensive analyst.
The newest Graduate Assistants include Tyrone Crowder as an offensive graduate assistant and Elijah Turner as defensive graduate assistant.
There were some other title changes besides Elliott. Mickey Conn is becoming special teams coordinator and safeties coach, Danny Pearman becomes director of football scouting, Kyle Richardson will be director of high school relations and special assistant to the offense, Thad Turnipseed becomes director of player development, freshman transition and external affairs, Bill Spiers is now director of special teams, and Zach Fulmer becomes assistant director of football scouting/recruiting assistant.
Elliott and Streeter also got contract extensions. Elliott’s contract now runs through the beginning of 2026, and totals $2,000,000. This pay increase makes Elliott the third highest-paid assistant coach in college football. Streeter’s contract increased to $615,000, and now is extended to the beginning of 2023.
