Morris Named SMU Head Coach

Clemson, S.C.—Chad Morris, Clemson offensive coordinator the last four years, has been named Head Football Coach at Southern Methodist University. Morris had been in charge of the Clemson offense since 2011 and helped the program to a 41-11 record, including 27 wins in conference play.  The Clemson offense established 127 school records during his time with the program, 89 individual marks and 38 team records.

 “I am very happy for Chad and his family,” said Head Coach Dabo Swinney. “This is a great opportunity and he is the right fit for SMU. I am very appreciative of the job he has done here the last four years.   We have 41 wins, the most in any four-year period in Clemson history, and the offense he has directed had a lot to do with that.  Our offense has performed at a record rate for this four-year period.

“He is a hard worker and has represented our program in a first-class manner.  We will miss Chad and his family and we wish him much success.

Morris coordinated the Clemson offense that scored 35 points and gained 491 yards in Clemson’s 35-17 win over South Carolina this past Saturday, his final game on the Clemson sidelines.  For his 52 games as offensive coordinator Clemson averaged 36 points and 468 yards per game.    He guided the top three scoring offenses and four of the top five passing offenses in Clemson history.

“This has been a great experience the last four years,” said Morris.  “It has been a privilege  to work at ClemsonUniversity and I am proud of what we have accomplished the last four years.  

 “First I want to thank Coach Dabo  Swinney who took a chance on a guy four years ago who had just one year of experience at the college level.  He is a coach with a clear vision.  We have had a great relationship and I know we will continue to have a great relationship.

“I also want to thank our players, past and present.  I look forward to watching a lot of these players as they continue their careers at Clemson and in the NFL.  I am proud of what our offense has done and it has been the result of a lot of hard work by some talented athletes.

“Our coaching staff has been together for four years (offense) and that has had a lot to do with our success.  We have had continuity and had great relationships.

 “I also want to thank our administration. Presidents Jim Clements and Jim Barker, and Directors of Athletics Dan Radakovich and Terry Don Phillips have been nothing but supportive in every way and it has been an honor to work for them.

“Finally I want to thank the Clemson fans who have given so much support to me and my family.  This is truly a special place and always will be a special place for the Morris family.  We will always be Clemson Tigers with orange in our blood and a Tiger paw near our heart.