And, in other news, West Virginia just scored another touchdown.
The news for Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, however, is a bit different. According to TigerIllustrated ($), Steele is out at Clemson eight days after the Tigers gave up 70 points and nearly 600 yards to West Virginia in an Orange Bowl blowout loss.
The school said Steele has not been fired, despite previous reports, but has departed. He will receive $1.15 million in buyout money, per his contract.
“I have had a great experience at Clemson and feel good about what we have accomplished the last three years,” said Steele in a release. “But, there are some other coaching opportunities I wish to pursue at this time.
“It has been rewarding to see this program grow to the point of winning Clemson’s first ACC Championship in 20 years. I want to thank the coaches and players who worked so hard these last three years. Clemson is a special place and I wish the program and the players continued success.”
“I want to thank Kevin Steele for his significant contributions to our program over the last three years,” said Head Coach Dabo Swinney. “He has had a huge impact on Clemson football. Our players have learned countless lessons from him on and off the field.
“Although we were inconsistent at times with a young defense this year, overall we have been one of the best defenses in the country the last three years under his direction. I thank him for his hard work and dedication to our program and wish him nothing but the best.”
Steele was in his third season with the Tigers and had been connected to the open defensive coordinator job at Tennessee, his alma mater.
This season, the Tigers were 81st in points allowed (29.3 PPG), 71st in yards per game allowed (394.4), 80th in pass yards allowed and 103rd in rushing yards allowed. It should be noted, though, that Clemson had Top 25 scoring defenses in Steele’s first two seasons.