Clemson Co-Offensive Coordinator Finalizing Deal to Become Head Coach of USF
By Jerry Trotta
For the first time in what feels like an eternity, a Clemson assistant appears set to depart Dabo Swinney's coaching staff for "greener" pastures.
On Monday, ESPN's Adam Rittenberg reported that Tigers co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott is on the verge of agreeing to a deal to become the new head coach at South Florida.
It's expected, however, that Scott will remain on Clemson's sidelines until the end of the College Football Playoff, as the team looks to repeat as champs.
Sources: #Clemson co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott is finalizing an agreement to become #SouthFlorida’s new coach. @Matt_Fortuna first reported the move, which should be completed later today. Florida tight ends coach Larry Scott also drew strong consideration for the USF job.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 9, 2019
South Florida, of course, is replacing Charlie Strong, who was canned last week after three underwhelming seasons with the program.
Strong's replacement, on the other hand, arrived at Clemson back in 2008 and has since established an impressive resume as one of the country's most esteemed recruiters. In 2018, Scott was named a finalist for the 2018 Broyles Award -- hardware that honors the nation's top assistant -- and the ACC Recruiter of the Year by 247Sports.
The 38-year-old coach, if the agreement does in fact go through, would become the Tigers' first coordinator to leave during the team's distinguished five-year run that includes two national championships.
Scott becomes the first of Clemson’s three in-demand coordinators to leave for a head coaching job, and the first assistant Dabo Swinney has lost since the end of the 2016 season.
— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) December 9, 2019
Since Scott/Tony Ellliott were promoted to co-OC in 2015, the Tigers have made 5 straight CFPs.
Making the leap from co-offensive coordinator to head coach is a significant one, but Scott spent 12 seasons under the wing of one of the best the nation has to offer.
We like to think he's ready.