After fighting wholesale change, Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney embraces the immediate present and not-too-distant future in hiring former NFL scout Kevin Kelly to manage the roster’s NIL.
Who Is Kevin Kelly?
In Swinney’s world, or at least his publicly articulated one, change would stay far from college football. The Clemson head coach made it known to anyone in earshot how the game doesn’t need change.
While the Tigers still rack up double-digit win seasons (nine out of the last 10 seasons), Clemson did not feel close to contending for a national championship.
Instead, Swinney’s squad looked like a very good team that would feast on lesser programs before losing in big moments.
With each passing year, the program stood respected but not feared by anyone. Swinney took what most would consider a bold step by hiring longtime NFL executive Kevin Kelly to become the new Director of Player Evaluation and Acquisition, according to Yahoo Sports.
A career NFL executive with two decades in the National Football League, Kelly heads to Death Valley with the specific goals of turning Clemson into another Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, or Texas. That only happens by building a player base that transcends basic definition.
More importantly, establishing a roster that becomes immune to the transfer portal. Now, every team suffers portal loss, but Kelly needs to make sure the program can withstand massive talent departures. Those departures often disrupt consistency and teams’ fortunes can fluctuate.
For example, Alabama waved goodbye to wideout Isaiah Bond last year. Enter Ryan Williams, and people automatically forget about Bond, except for that catch against Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
Kelly enters a program with an unsure conference future. Clemson, along with Florida State, currently sit embroiled in ongoing legal battles with the Atlantic Coast Conference. The school wants to divorce themselves from the conference, allowing them to pursue relocation.
Both the Big Ten and the SEC come to mind. As a result, the need to increase the talent pool becomes necessary. While not a one-team conference, the ACC does not compete with the Power Two. Kelly will use the substantial war chest to not only draw players to Clemson but compensate them handsomely. Notice in his new title, the word acquisition stands out.
According to 247Sports, Clemson boasts the 29th overall commitment rank. While that works for most, Clemson wants to hold itself to an even higher standard. Before Kelly arrived, Clemson lured just three transfers to the program. Now, Kelly will attack the portal before it opens, landing players right at the opening.
While high school talent still makes up a decent portion of the game, the transfer portal swung the balance, making transfers the absolutely most important part of the process. Money becomes the decider. Clemson boasts millions.
They want Kelly to not only find them starters but find top backups. Those backups provide insurance in a game of attrition while keeping them away from heated rivals. In a statement, Swinney outlined the plan.
“He’s got over 20 years of front office experience in scouting and evaluation of player personnel, so he will bring a wealth of experience and be able to work alongside General Manager Jordan Sorrells, Director of Recruiting Ty Clements, and the rest of our staff on player acquisition, evaluation and retention,” Swinney said.
KEEP READING: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
Kelly enters the Clemson football program at a key juncture. With a potentially lucrative future, Swinney pushed his metaphorical chips into the center of the table.
Clemson sees its future as a school that the Big Ten and, most certainly, the SEC will end up fighting over. Fighting in one way or providing the best financial incentives. Kelly understands what winning players can do and picks the right ones for the long-term viability of a program. Now, let the games, on and off the field, begin.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
