Dabo Swinney’s Top 10 Assistant Coaching Hires: No. 3 Matt Luke

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. 3 Matt Luke | Offensive Line (2023–)

When Swinney brought Matt Luke to Tiger Town back in December 2023, he wasn’t just looking for a new offensive line coach—he was seeking a tone-setting change. In his first full year, Luke became exactly that.

The former Ole Miss head coach and Georgia offensive line coach brought championship credentials and SEC experience to a room that desperately needed stability and edge. Just as importantly, he brought a recruiting fire Clemson hadn’t seen on the offensive line in years—if ever. Within his first full cycle, Luke helped secure multiple blue-chip linemen, landing national-caliber prospects from key battleground states like Georgia, Ohio, and Virginia. The 2026 OL class may stand to be the greatest collection of talent in Clemson history up front.

Luke’s impact has gone beyond just flipping recruiting boards. He’s injected a toughness and attention to detail that Clemson's offensive line hadn’t consistently shown in recent years. Players and staff rave about his no-nonsense approach—demanding physicality, accountability, and refined technique on every rep. Under Luke, the Tigers’ front five took a noticeable step forward in 2024, helping pave the way for a 1,100-yard rushing season from Phil Mafah and allowing the fewest sacks in ACC play. His lines don’t just block; they finish.

Off the field, Luke’s leadership has resonated in every corner of the program. Swinney quickly elevated him to assistant head coach—a reflection of both his football knowledge and presence in the building. In an era of transfer portal churn and recruiting volatility, Luke has become one of Clemson’s most important closers and culture carriers.

Though he’s only been at Clemson a short time, Luke’s trajectory already places him among Swinney’s top hires. Perhaps we’ve injected some recency bias into this conversation, but for now, in our opinion, Luke is one of the best hires since Swinney took over the program.

Dabo Swinney’s 10 best assistant coaching hires: 

• No. 4 Chad Morris | Offensive Coordinator (2011–2014)
• No. 5 Mike Reed | Cornerbacks (2013–)
• No. 6 Garrett Riley | Offensive Coordinator (2023-)
• No. 7 Tom Allen | Defensive Coordinator (2025–)
• No. 8 Dan Brooks | Defensive Tackles Coach (2009–2016)
• No. 9 Robbie Caldwell | Offensive Line Coach (2011–2021)
• No. 10 Todd Bates | Defensive Line Coach (2017–2021)