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Clemson Football

Dabo Swinney’s Top 10 Assistant Coaching Hires: No. 5 Mike Reed

June 17, 2025
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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. 5 Mike Reed | Cornerbacks (2013–)

Consistency is a rare trait in college football, but Mike Reed has embodied it for over a decade at Clemson. Hired by Dabo Swinney in 2013, Reed is the longest-tenured coaching assistant on staff. He’s built a reputation as one of the most respected defensive backs coaches in the country, developing a steady pipeline of elite cornerbacks and remaining a vital voice in the Tigers’ locker room through coaching changes, national championship runs, and evolving defensive schemes.

Reed has coached an impressive list of NFL-caliber talent, including A.J. Terrell, Trayvon Mullen, Mackensie Alexander, and Andrew Booth Jr. Under his guidance, Clemson’s secondary has repeatedly ranked among the ACC’s best in passing defense and takeaways. His players are known not only for their physicality and technique but also for their intelligence and situational awareness—hallmarks of Reed’s development philosophy. In an era when many assistants chase the next job, Reed’s loyalty has become a defining trait. It’s believed he’s turned down multiple opportunities elsewhere to stay in Tiger Town, a decision that’s only deepened his value within the program.

What also sets Reed apart is his ability to adjust while remaining rooted in Clemson’s culture. Whether coordinating with Brent Venables’ aggressive, blitz-heavy system or adapting to new personnel under Wes Goodwin and now Tom Allen, Reed has kept the cornerbacks playing at a high level. He’s become a trusted mentor for young coaches on staff and a reliable figure for players navigating the demands of elite college football.

In the broader context of Swinney’s best hires, Reed’s blend of loyalty, production, and adaptability places him firmly in the top five. He’s not a flashy name nationally, but within the walls of Clemson’s football complex, he’s as respected as anyone. And with the Tigers continuing to reload in the secondary, there’s little reason to believe Reed’s impact is slowing down any time soon.

Dabo Swinney’s 10 best assistant coaching hires: 

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Dabo Swinney’s Top 10 Assistant Coaching Hires: No. 5 Mike Reed

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