After a disappointing season filled with offensive struggles, Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney made a bold decision to fire Offensive Coordinator Garrett Riley and bring back a familiar face in Chad Morris to call the plays. However, this hiring was not just about finding a new playbook, it was solidified by an emotional plea that reminded Swinney of the importance of family bonds.
The decision to let go of Riley, who had been with the team for only one season, was not an easy one for Swinney. He had high hopes for the young coordinator, but the results on the field did not meet expectations. Swinney knew he needed to make a change in order to get the offense back on track and compete for a national championship once again.
Enter Chad Morris, a name that is very familiar to Clemson fans. Morris had previously served as the team’s offensive coordinator from 2011 to 2014, during which the Tigers had one of the most explosive offenses in the country. He then went on to become the head coach at SMU and Arkansas, but was recently let go from his head coaching position at Auburn.
When Swinney reached out to Morris about returning to Clemson, it wasn’t just a business decision. It was a decision based on a strong personal bond between the two. Swinney and Morris had formed a close relationship during their time together at Clemson, and Swinney knew that Morris was not just a great coach, but also a great person.
But what really solidified the hiring was an emotional plea from Morris’ wife, Paula. She wrote a heartfelt letter to Swinney, expressing her family’s desire to return to Clemson and the impact that the university had on their lives. Paula’s words struck a chord with Swinney, reminding him of the importance of family and the strong bonds that are formed within the Clemson football program.
In her letter, Paula shared how much the Clemson community had embraced their family during their previous time at the university. She spoke about the love and support they received from the players, coaches, and fans, and how it had a lasting impact on their lives. Paula also mentioned how much their children missed being a part of the Clemson family and how excited they were at the possibility of returning.
Swinney was moved by Paula’s words and knew that bringing back Morris was the right decision for the team and for the Clemson family. He also recognized the potential of having Morris’ children grow up in the same loving and supportive environment that had shaped his own children.
With the emotional plea from Paula weighing heavily on his mind, Swinney made the decision to hire Morris as the new offensive coordinator. It was a decision that was met with excitement and enthusiasm from both the players and the fans. The Clemson family was reunited once again, and the team was ready to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
Morris’ return to Clemson has already made a positive impact on the team. The offense has shown significant improvement in the spring practices, and the players have spoken highly of Morris’ coaching style and his ability to connect with them on a personal level. Swinney’s decision to bring back Morris has not only strengthened the team’s offense, but also the team’s overall spirit and unity.
In the end, it was not just about finding a new offensive coordinator, it was about finding the right person for the job. Swinney’s decision was based on not only Morris’ coaching abilities, but also his character and the strong family values that he brings to the team. The emotional plea from Paula Morris reminded Swinney of the importance of family and the special bond that exists within the Clemson football program. With Morris back at Clemson, the team is poised for success and the Clemson family is stronger than ever.
