Dabo Swinney’s Top 10 Assistant Coaching Hires: No. 10 Todd Bates

Clemson’s transformation from a program with promise to a national powerhouse didn’t happen overnight. It was built on vision, culture, recruiting, and above all, great coaching. While Dabo Swinney’s own leadership has defined the Tigers' identity in the midseason of 2008, it’s his assistant hires that have often provided the strategic edge needed to reach the sport’s summit.

Here’s a ranked look at Swinney’s 10 best assistant coaching hires during his Clemson tenure:

No. 10 Todd Bates | Defensive Line Coach (2017–2021)

When Todd Bates joined Clemson’s staff in 2017, he wasn’t just filling a role—he was stepping into a position of immense tradition and expectation. Following the retirement of Dan Brooks, Bates inherited a defensive line room already loaded with potential, and he elevated it even further. His impact was immediate as he became the first defensive line coach since Ron West in 2004 to coach both defensive tackle and defensive end. Bates arrived in Tiger Town after a very successful stint at Jacksonville State, where he helped the Gamecocks reach the FCS National Championship Game and a 33-6 record during three seasons.

At Clemson, the Tigers made back-to-back national championship appearances in 2018 and 2019, and Bates helped develop a front four that became the envy of college football, featuring future NFL first-rounders like Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell, and Dexter Lawrence. His presence brought not only energy but also relatability, especially for recruits drawn to his charisma and authenticity.

But Bates’ strength went beyond player development. He was a crucial recruiter for Clemson in the Southeast and beyond, helping the Tigers land top-tier defensive line talent in class after class. His “Power Rangers” branding of the defensive line turned the unit into a national storyline, and his voice carried weight in the locker room.

Bates’ departure to Oklahoma, joining Brent Venables’ staff, was a major loss for Clemson, but his legacy in Death Valley remains—his unit helped anchor one of the most dominant defensive stretches in program history and left a blueprint for how the Tigers want to play up front.