​Clemson’s 2025 season ended in disappointment, and Dabo Swinney responded with sweeping changes to his coaching staff. After Clemson finished 7-6—its second-worst record over Swinney’s 17-year tenure—the Tigers failed to reach the ACC championship or the College Football Playoff, despite entering the year as preseason favorites for both. In the wake of that underwhelming campaign, Swinney dismissed offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and safeties coach Mickey Conn. He also faced the ripple effects of Samford hiring away Clemson assistants, as John Grass left to take multiple Clemson staffers with him. In reaction, Swinney reorganized the staff, promoted several coaches, and brought in new leadership to rebuild the program’s trajectory.
The most high-profile move was the return of Chad Morris as Clemson’s offensive coordinator, a decision that signaled Swinney’s intent to re-energize the offense with a familiar voice. On the defensive side, Rich Bisaccia was brought in to serve as special teams coordinator, adding extensive NFL coaching experience to Clemson’s staff. The reshuffling also included internal promotions and continuations of roles for several assistants who would shape Clemson’s 2026 plans.
Financial details for Clemson’s 2026 staff reveal that six primary assistants will earn at least $1 million, per agreements obtained by The Greenville News through an open records request. The contract information places Tom Allen, in his second year as defensive coordinator, at the top of the pay scale among assistants, with an annual salary of $2 million. Following him are Morris, Nick Eason, and Matt Luke, each at $1.2 million. Chris Rumph will earn $1.1 million, while Mike Reed’s salary stands at $1 million. These figures reflect Clemson’s intent to stabilize the program by retaining top-tier coaches who can implement Swinney’s long-term vision.
Not all contracts were finalized or publicly documented at the time of reporting. Ben Bouleware, Clemson’s second-year linebackers coach, did not secure a new contract after earning $193,160 in 2025. Similarly, Tajh Boyd, the quarterbacks coach, and Nolan Turner, the safeties coach, had contracts that had not yet been finalized, though both were promoted to primary coaching roles for 2026. Boyd and Turner had previously served on the support staff before earning primary responsibilities.
Excluding those pending or new contracts, Clemson’s primary assistants are projected to earn a combined $11.35 million in 2026. The complete list of salaries for primary assistants and the strength coach highlights the program’s financial commitment to staff stability and competitiveness in recruiting and development.
The 2026 roster of primary coaches includes Tom Allen as defensive coordinator (and linebackers coach) at $2 million, and Chad Morris as offensive coordinator at $1.2 million. Nick Eason, responsible for defensive tackles, and Matt Luke, overseeing the offensive line, each earn $1.2 million. Chris Rumph, coaching the defensive ends, is at $1.1 million, while Mike Reed, coaching cornerbacks, earns $1 million. Rich Bisaccia, Clemson’s new special teams coordinator, is paid $900,000.
Additional staff positions and salaries include Kyle Richardson as tight ends coach at $675,500, Tyler Grisham as wide receivers coach at $600,000, C.J. Spiller as running backs coach at $600,000, and Dennis Love as strength coach at $450,000. Thomas Allen, serving as a defensive pass game coordinator, earns $225,000, while Corico Wright, the nickelbacks coach, is set at $200,000.
The list also shows several coordinators with dual roles, reflecting Clemson’s strategic alignment of responsibilities. Tom Allen, serving in dual capacities as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, and Tajh Boyd as quarterbacks coach illustrate how Clemson is weaving new leadership into its existing framework. Spiller’s and Grisham’s roles include responsibilities in run game coordination and pass game coordination, respectively, underscoring the program’s emphasis on cohesive offensive and defensive game plans.
Clemson’s salary structure for 2026 underscores the university’s commitment to fielding a highly capable coaching staff capable of returning the program to the forefront of the ACC and national competition. The changes signal Swinney’s intention to leverage a blend of familiar voices and new perspectives to restore momentum, rebuild player development pipelines, and maximize the Tigers’ potential across the 2026 season.