Clemson hires former Ole Miss head coach Matt Luke to run Offensive Line
Clemson announced the hiring of Matt Luke as the new offensive line coach. The decision, which came on the heels of the departure of Thomas Austin on November 30, marks a significant change in the coaching staff as the Tigers look to bolster their offensive prowess.
Luke, who joined the Georgia staff in December 2019, brings a wealth of experience to the table. In May of 2022, Luke temporarily stepped away from coaching, citing the demanding workload and time commitment inherent in college coaching as factors contributing to his hiatus.
During his tenure at Georgia, Luke played a pivotal role in the team's success, contributing to four consecutive top-10 finishes in the College Football Playoff rankings. The 2020 senior class, under his guidance, achieved a historic 44 wins, tying the school record. Notably, he coached standout offensive tackle Ben Cleveland and freshman sensation Warren McClendon, both earning All-SEC honors.
Before arriving in Athens, Luke spent the previous two years as the head coach at Ole Miss, and recruiting success marked his tenure in Oxford, with his first two recruiting classes ranking in the top 25 nationally. His prowess as an offensive line coach earned him recognition, ranking eighth among recruiters in 2016 by 247Sports.
Luke's coaching journey weaves through various stops, including Tennessee and Duke, where he consistently produced formidable offensive lines. His impact on player development is evident in the 27 NFL draft picks he mentored, including first-round selections Laremy Tunsil and Laken Tomlinson.
A former player at Ole Miss, Luke lettered four seasons as a center from 1995 to 1998, serving as team captain in his final year. His coaching career began at Murray State in 2000-01, eventually leading him to become a key figure in the world of college football coaching.
