Clemson Football Faces Challenges in Spring Practices

New offensive coordinator, quarterback battle, and injuries hamper Tigers' preparations

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:07pm

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Clemson's football team is reportedly struggling to adjust to the new offense installed by new offensive coordinator Chad Morris during spring practices. The Tigers are also dealing with a quarterback competition and injuries, including to transfer defensive tackle Kourtney Kelly, as they work to rebound from a disappointing 7-6 season in 2025.

Why it matters

Clemson is one of the premier college football programs, so any struggles during the offseason are noteworthy. The team's ability to quickly adapt to the new offense and get healthy will be crucial as they look to return to the top of the ACC and contend for a playoff spot.

The details

Head coach Dabo Swinney made significant changes to his coaching staff, including bringing in former Green Bay Packers assistant Rich Bisaccia as special teams coordinator and hiring Chad Morris as the new offensive coordinator. Morris is installing a new, up-tempo offense, which the players are reportedly struggling to pick up so far in spring practices. The Tigers also have an open quarterback competition and are dealing with an injury to transfer defensive tackle Kourtney Kelly.

  • Clemson's annual spring game is scheduled for March 28, 2026.
  • The Tigers are currently in the midst of their 15 allotted spring practices.

The players

Dabo Swinney

Clemson's head football coach, who is overseeing the team's transition to a new offensive coordinator and system.

Chad Morris

Clemson's new offensive coordinator, who is installing a new up-tempo offense that the players are reportedly struggling to learn.

Kourtney Kelly

A transfer defensive tackle who is currently dealing with an injury that will keep him out for some time.

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What they’re saying

“It's spring ball. You're installing what for Dabo is not a new offense, but for the kids on that roster is a new offense. And there's a lot more tempo as a piece, a foundational piece of this offense. So they're kind of struggling with that. And then also, you got a bunch of new receivers.”

— Josh Pate, Host, 'Josh Pate's College Football Show'

What’s next

The Tigers will continue to work through their spring practices as they look to get comfortable with the new offense and get healthy before their annual spring game on March 28.

The takeaway

Clemson's struggles during spring practices highlight the challenges of implementing a new offensive system and integrating new players, even for a top-tier program. The Tigers will need to make significant progress over the next few weeks to be ready for the 2026 season.