Clemson hires Chris Rumph to take over Defensive Ends

Dabo Swinney has hired Chris Rumph to replace Lemanski Hall as Clemson’s defensive ends coach. Rumph, who was most recently with the Minnesota Vikings, returns to Tiger Town after being a part of the staff from 2006-2010, where he served in multiple capacities. 

Rumph was hired at Clemson in 2006 as the Tigers’ defensive line coach and, in 2009, was allowed to focus on defensive ends. During his first stint at Clemson, Rumph coached unanimous All-American defensive end Da'Quan Bowers, who led the nation in sacks (15.5) and was tied for first in tackles-for-loss (26.0), and the late Gaines Adams, who became the 4th pick in the NFL Draft in 2007.

In his five years at Clemson, Rumph coached nine NFL draft picks and four All-ACC selections before joining the Alabama staff in 2011.

Rumph also spent time coaching at South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee, along with several stops in the NFL. Rumph’s collegiate career started after coaching for five years as the head coach at Calhoun County High School in St. Matthews, his hometown. 

Rumph played college football at South Carolina and was a star linebacker during Spraky Woods and Brad Scott’s tenures in Columbia. His son Chris plays for the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL.