Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has three staff vacancies to fill.
Clemson defensive ends coach Chris Rumph accepted an assistant coaching position with Alabama on Tuesday, the Tuscaloosa News first reported. Rumph is the third assistant to depart Clemson this week following the dismissals of offensive coordinator Billy Napier and running backs/special teams coach Andre Powell.
Rumph’s departure could be traced to Alabama’s ability to exceed his $180,000 salary at Clemson. Another motivation might be related to stability as Nick Saban led the Crimson Tide to a national title last season, while Clemson is coming off its first losing season in 12 years.
Clemson athletics director Terry Don Phillips contested the perception Rumph’s departure was related to eroding stability in the program.
“I’m running the course with Dabo,”
said Phillips, who is under contract through June 2013.
In the search to replace Napier, Phillips said Swinney is moving as quickly as possible to fill the vacancy. The frontrunner is believed to be Tulsa offensive coordinator Chad Morris, a disciple of Auburn’s Gus Malzahn. Morris has already interviewed at Clemson.
Swinney is thought to be speaking with several other candidates before extending an official offer. Another possibility is TCU co-offensive coordinator Justin Fuente, a source confirmed Tuesday.
Whoever is hired to fill the vacancies, Clemson figures to increase its staff payroll in 2011. Powell, Napier and Rumph combined to make approximately $600,000 last season.
The Tigers will likely have to award substantial increases for their replacements as Napier was a relatively cheap option at offensive coordinator, and coaching candidates will likely demand greater compensation with hefty buyouts for security with Clemson coming off a losing season.
There is always the possibility of more coaching changes.
Following the 2009 season, Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and line coach Dan Brooks were courted by Tennessee, and Charlie Harbison was contacted by Florida. Clemson’s defensive assistants figure to remain attractive candidates. Swinney has not ruled out other staff changes.
The loss of Rumph also carries recruiting implications. National recruiting analyst J.C. Shurburtt thought Rumph’s departure would carry greater negative recruiting implications than the losses of Napier or Powell.
Rumph was the point man in landing commitments from four-star talents such as Marlin Lane (RB) and Cortez Davis (CB) in Clemson’s 2011 class. Rumph was also recruiting the nation’s No. 1 prospect, Jadeveon Clowney, who is atop Alabama’s wish list.
