Dabo Swinney’s Top 10 Assistant Coaching Hires: No. 1 Brent Venables

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. 1 Brent Venables| Defensive Coordinator (2012–2021)

When Swinney hired Brent Venables in January 2012, Clemson had just surrendered 70 points in an Orange Bowl loss to West Virginia. The Tigers were on the rise offensively, but defensively, they were a liability. Swinney knew he needed more than a scheme—he needed a culture shift. Venables brought that and more. Over the next decade, he didn’t just fix Clemson’s defense; he turned it into one of the most feared units in college football. His aggressive, high-energy approach and relentless attention to detail redefined Clemson’s identity and helped launch the Tigers into the sport’s elite.

Under Venables, Clemson finished in the Top 10 nationally in scoring defense six times and produced multiple top-five finishes in total defense. From 2014 to 2019, the Tigers averaged fewer than 17 points allowed per game while competing in five College Football Playoffs and winning two national championships. In 2018, Clemson led the nation in scoring defense, allowing 13.1 points per game—the first time in school history

Venables’ defenses were fast, violent, and disciplined, anchored by NFL-bound stars like Vic Beasley, Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence, Isaiah Simmons, and A.J. Terrell. And it wasn’t just talent—Venables was known for turning three-stars into pros and backups into starters, fueled by exhaustive film study and a game plan that changed weekly but never lacked aggression.

Venables was also a foundational recruiter and voice in Clemson’s culture. While his fire on the sideline was unmistakable, it was his trust and connection with players that made him invaluable. He had full control of the defense and was one of the few assistants nationally whose presence alone could tilt a game plan. During his 10 seasons, Clemson won seven ACC titles and recorded six top-five finishes—dominance fueled largely by Venables’ ability to shut down even the nation’s best offenses.

When he left to become the head coach at Oklahoma after the 2021 season, it marked the end of an era. But even now, his impact is still felt in how Swinney approaches defense, discipline, and player development. No assistant in the Swinney era made a bigger impact than Venables, and the Tigers' hiring of new DC Tom Allen showcases the importance of a seasoned veteran at the position. 

Venables was the fix when Clemson needed one, the difference in multiple championship runs, and the gold standard for what a great hire looks like. That’s why he sits firmly at No. 1 on this list—no debate required.

Dabo Swinney’s 10 best assistant coaching hires: 

• No. 2 Tony Elliott and Jeff Scott| Co-Offensive Coordinators (2014–2019 / 2022)
• 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)