Napier and Powell Will Not Return to Clemson Coaching Staff

Jan. 2, 2011

CLEMSON, SC – Clemson Head Football Coach Dabo Swinney said Sunday that Billy Napier and Andre’ Powell will not return to his staff. Napier served as Clemson’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, while Powell served as running backs coach and special teams coordinator.

Napier just finished his fifth season as a full time member of the Clemson staff. He was the tight ends coach in 2006, 2007 and the first half of 2008 under Tommy <!>Bowden. He became the quarterbacks coach for the second half of the 2008 season when Swinney took over the program, and served in that capacity through this past season.

He was the offensive coordinator in 2009 when Clemson finished with a 9-5 record and won the Atlantic Division of the ACC, and this past season. He also served as recruiting coordinator for the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Napier was also a graduate assistant at Clemson in 2004 before serving as an assistant coach at South Carolina State in 2005.

Powell came to Clemson for the 2007 season as running backs coach. He coached that position for the last four seasons and took on the added responsibilities as the special teams coordinator in 2008. He held that responsibility through this past season as well.

“I appreciate the hard work and dedication Coach Napier and Coach Powell put forth for this program,” said Swinney. “They have had a positive impact on the lives of many young men in the Clemson program and I will do whatever I can to help both of them as they advance in their respective careers. They have always represented this program well.

“This was a difficult decision, one that was not made hastily. But, we must make significant improvement on the offensive side of the ball. I have to do what I believe is best for the program going forward, and make sure we don’t experience another season like the one we just had.”

Statement from Billy Napier “It is unfortunate that my time at Clemson has come to an end under these circumstances. I want to thank Coach Tommy <!>Bowden and Coach Dabo Swinney for the opportunity they gave me to work at Clemson. I was blessed and am thankful for the interaction I had with so many great people.

“Clemson University is truly a special place. My wife Ali and I are thankful for our time here. I wish the current coaching staff, the support staff, the athletic administration and most of all the Clemson players the best of luck in the future.”