Clemson OC Garrett Riley Gives Injury Update, Faces Uncertain Future

What was supposed to be a breakthrough season for Clemson in 2025 instead turned into a frustrating ride filled with missed chances and offensive struggles. Now, with the Pinstripe Bowl approaching, offensive coordinator Garrett Riley finds himself under pressure while also delivering some much-needed positive news about quarterback Cade Klubnik.

Klubnik raised concern among fans when he did not throw during practice on Dec. 15. Clemson wide receiver Tyler Brown later revealed the quarterback injured his thumb, marking the third injury Klubnik has dealt with this season. The Pinstripe Bowl will be his final game with the program, giving the matchup extra meaning for both the quarterback and the Tigers.

Garrett Riley addressed Klubnik’s status during a press conference on Dec. 17 and sounded optimistic.

Garrett Riley said the player has been taking part in practice more often over the past few days. He added that he expects him to be ready to play and that his role should grow a little more each day.

Klubnik’s season has not gone as planned. After a strong bounce-back year in 2024, expectations were high that he would take another step forward. Instead, his production slipped. He has thrown for 2,750 yards and totaled 16 touchdowns, the lowest scoring output of his career so far. His struggles have placed him among some of the season’s biggest disappointments, including Arch Manning and Garrett Nussmeier.

Much of the criticism has fallen on Riley and the Clemson offense as a whole. The Tigers struggled to find consistency, making mistakes that were unexpected before the season began. Scoring declined, third-down efficiency dropped, and the run game failed to deliver. Clemson converted just 55 of its 160 third-down attempts and scored 30 or more points only four times all season.

The rushing attack was especially concerning. After being a strength for Klubnik last year, the Tigers averaged just 131.25 rushing yards per game. The run game often disappeared in short-yardage situations, putting even more pressure on the passing attack. Despite having most of its offensive talent available, Clemson failed to meet its usual standards. Phil Mafah and Jake Briningstool were the only notable absences.

As the face of the program, Klubnik absorbed much of the outside criticism, even as the offense around him struggled to perform.

With Clemson heading toward a 7-5 finish, Riley’s job security has become a major question. Head coach Dabo Swinney has a history of moving on from underperforming assistants, and Riley acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future.

Garrett Riley admitted the season did not go the way anyone hoped, but said that is part of sports. He explained that while bigger decisions may come later, his attention right now is fully on the team. Garrett Riley said his goal is to support the coaching staff, help the players as much as possible, and put the team in the best position to end the season strong with a bowl victory.

Garrett Riley has already interviewed for head coaching jobs at North Texas and Coastal Carolina, though both positions have since been filled. If Clemson and Garrett Riley part ways, a Group of Five head coaching role could still be his next step. He previously won the Broyles Award at TCU in 2022, leading an offense that reached the national championship game. Just last season at Clemson, his unit ranked 18th nationally in scoring offense.

Not long ago, Garrett Riley was viewed as a rising head coach candidate. One season later, his outlook looks far different as he prepares for a bowl game that could shape what comes next.

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