Days before it officially learns its postseason destination and on the heels of disappointing four-loss regular season, Clemson has made major staff changes to both its offensive and defensive staff.
Tigers veteran head coach Dabo Swinney said Thursday that the program has parted ways with defensive line coach Lemanski Hall and offensive line coach Thomas Austin.
Swinney issued statements that both praised the individuals and offered insight into the "difficult" decisions.
“Lemanski Hall and I met and had a great conversation about his future and long-term goals both personally and professionally," Swinney said in a statement released by Clemson, "and after great thought and discussion, we came to a mutual decision for him to seek opportunities to advance his career elsewhere.
“I am so thankful for Ski and his wife, Leslie, and their family. Lemanski and I have been almost lifelong friends back to 1989 and he is someone I love like a brother. I’m appreciative and thankful for the impact he has had here at Clemson."
On Austin, Swinney said the following:
“Today, I made the difficult decision to seek new leadership for the offensive line," Swinney said, per the statement. "It is my responsibility as head coach to make difficult decisions that I believe are in the best interest of our football program and the young men that comprise it. After a few days of deep thought and evaluation, I believe this was a change we needed to make.
“I love Thomas and his entire family, and Thomas has been a great representative of Clemson University and Clemson Football in every role — as a player, as a support staff member and as a coach. On the field, he was one of the best Tigers we’ve had, and his role as a captain and as a great leader is immortalized in concrete at Tiger Walk outside Memorial Stadium. I know God has a great plan for his future.:
Swinney touted the group of linemen that will return -- for a new coach.
“I’m incredibly excited about our group of offensive linemen, which could have seven players who have started significant time for us," Swinney said, "and I look forward to seeing them continue their growth.”
Hall, a former Alabama star who had been with Swinney on the Clemson staff since 2015, praised his Clemson experience and thanked Swinney and the university for the opportunity.
Not statement was provided from Austin, a Camden, S.C., native and Clemson graduate who also had been on staff in various roles since 2015.
The Tigers finished their season 8-4.