Thursday Team Update.
Clemson’s coaching carousel spun a little slower this week, at least on the Garrett Riley front. I promised updates as they came, and while the tea has been lukewarm lately, this week brought one notable development: Coastal Carolina made its move, hiring its next head coach—and it wasn’t Riley.
I held off on addressing it immediately, hoping additional insight might surface, but nothing has shifted from what I’ve understood for days. Riley was expected to remain in the finalist conversation, though the level of mutual momentum was always a bit murky due to a pay issue as I. viewed it. As things stand, there’s still a reasonable path for Riley to return to Clemson in what amounts to a “prove-it” season, with both sides eyeing a reset. I’ll continue checking on that situation as it evolves.
But the real storyline this week sits squarely on the roster. Clemson’s numbers have thinned as the transfer portal churns and NFL decisions stack up, leaving Dabo Swinney and his staff juggling NIL math and position-room stability as bowl prep begins.
Let’s walk through two major names:
TJ Parker:
What I’ve gathered is this—had Parker elected to return, there was a growing likelihood he would’ve hit the portal anyway. Clemson’s revenue-share structure at defensive end complicates things, especially with the strong expectation that Will Heldt returns. Sometimes departures are about playing time; sometimes they’re about economics. This one? A blend of timing and circumstance.
Khalil Barnes:
Barnes’ entry into the portal stings. His season never quite found its rhythm—injuries early, inconsistencies at times —and my read is that he simply needed a reset. He’s deeply respected by teammates and staff alike, and this is a loss Swinney would’ve loved to avoid. Some players move on; others you wish you could convince to stay just a little longer. Barnes falls squarely into the latter category.
There are other names on my radar, players weighing portal decisions of their own, but out of respect for them and the process, those stories remain theirs to tell when the time is right.
For now, the pace of staff news remains slow outside of the thoroughly-covered John Grass hire and the assistants expected to follow him. Bowl practices are underway, conversations with players and coaches are happening behind closed doors, and the program is bracing for whatever the next ripple may be.
Time, as always, will tell where the Tigers go from here.