Clemson Women's Basketball Coach Gets Raise, Football Salaries Unchanged

Clemson's football assistant coaches did not receive salary increases after a disappointing 2025 season.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:47am

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Clemson's board of trustees approved a contract extension and raise for women's basketball coach Shawn Poppie, whose team is trending toward an NCAA tournament berth. However, the school's football assistant coaches, including head coach Dabo Swinney, did not receive salary increases this year following the team's 7-6 record in 2025.

Why it matters

Clemson's football program is a source of pride for the university and local community, so the lack of salary increases for the coaching staff after a down year is noteworthy. The women's basketball team's success, on the other hand, provides a bright spot and reason for optimism.

The details

Clemson trustees approved a two-year, $450,000 per year contract for new strength and conditioning coach Dennis Love, who is taking over after Joey Batson's retirement. They also extended women's basketball coach Shawn Poppie's contract through the 2030-31 season, increasing his salary from $525,000 to $800,000 with $25,000 annual raises. Meanwhile, Clemson's football assistant coaches, including offensive coordinator Chad Morris and defensive coordinator Tom Allen, did not receive raises after the team's disappointing 7-6 season in 2025.

  • Clemson's board of trustees approved the contract changes on February 6, 2026.
  • Shawn Poppie is entering his third season as Clemson's women's basketball coach.

The players

Dabo Swinney

Clemson's head football coach.

Shawn Poppie

Clemson's women's basketball coach, who received a contract extension and raise.

Dennis Love

Clemson's new strength and conditioning coach, who was approved for a two-year, $450,000 per year contract.

Graham Neff

Clemson's athletic director.

Chad Morris

Clemson's new offensive coordinator, hired to replace Garrett Riley.

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What they’re saying

“His rapport and camaraderie with the program and the student-athletes is significant and phenomenal, and his transition will be incredibly smooth and bring a different energy level to our strength room and Coach Swinney.”

— Graham Neff, Clemson Athletic Director

“Certainly the energy and momentum within the program is palpable, and our community feels that with how he's run the program on the court and off. Certainly his recruiting prowess with the program thus far, let alone what's coming and those accolades, a lot of excitement for the trajectory of this program ahead.”

— Graham Neff, Clemson Athletic Director

What’s next

Clemson's football team will look to bounce back in the 2026 season with a new starting quarterback and revamped defense.

The takeaway

Clemson's women's basketball program is on the rise under coach Shawn Poppie, while the football team faces uncertainty after a disappointing 2025 season that did not result in salary increases for the coaching staff.