Dabo Swinney’s Top 10 Assistant Coaching Hires: No. 2 Tony Elliott and Jeff Scott

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. 2 Tony Elliott and Jeff Scott| Co-Offensive Coordinators (2014–2019 / 2022)

When Chad Morris left Clemson at the end of the 2014 regular season to become the head coach at SMU, Swinney faced a critical decision: replace one of college football’s most innovative offensive minds or rethink the entire structure. He chose the latter. In a move that raised eyebrows at the time but would soon become one of the most pivotal decisions of his tenure, Swinney elevated Tony Elliott and Jeff Scott—two young assistants—as co-offensive coordinators. It wasn’t just unconventional; it was groundbreaking. It didn’t take long for fans to get a glimpse of what the combo could provide as the Tigers hammered Oklahoma in their bowl game, 40-6, in their first game as co-coordinators.

From 2015 to 2019, the Elliott-Scott tandem led one of the most explosive and efficient offenses in college football. Together, they helped guide Clemson to five straight College Football Playoff appearances, four national championship games, and two national titles (2016 and 2018). Their system produced Heisman finalists, first-round NFL Draft picks, and record-setting seasons from players like Deshaun Watson, Travis Etienne, Tee Higgins, and Trevor Lawrence. More than that, they gave Clemson an offensive identity rooted in tempo, adaptability, and precision.

Swinney’s decision to split the duties between Elliott and Scott wasn’t just about scheme—it was about trust and culture. The two coaches, who were teammates and stretch partners at Clemson, complemented each other perfectly: Scott, a dynamic recruiter and wide receivers coach, connected with players and brought energy to the practice field. Elliott, a former walk-on turned engineer, brought analytical depth and calm play-calling to high-stakes moments. Their balance gave Clemson both creativity and structure, and their loyalty to Swinney’s vision helped cement a golden era of Tiger football.

Eventually, both coaches earned opportunities to lead their own programs—Scott left in 2019 to become the head coach at South Florida, while Elliott stayed two more seasons before taking over at Virginia in 2022. Their exits were bittersweet, but they also underscored just how successful Swinney’s bold gamble had been. By trusting his instincts and promoting from within, Swinney not only sustained Clemson’s rise—he accelerated it. That shared No. 2 ranking isn’t just a nod to their accomplishments, but a testament to the collaborative model that made it all possible.

Dabo Swinney’s 10 best assistant coaching hires: 

• No. 3 Matt Luke | Offensive Line Coach (2023-)
• 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)