Former East Carolina head coach Mike Houston is making headlines once again, as he reportedly joins the staff at Clemson. This move marks a new chapter for Houston, who is set to contribute to the Tigers’ defensive staff under the leadership of head coach Dabo Swinney. With his extensive experience, Houston is expected to bring valuable insights and coaching expertise to a program that has consistently been a powerhouse in college football.
Clemson adds Mike Houston, key off-field assistant
Houston’s arrival at Clemson comes at an exciting time for the program, which is also welcoming another significant addition. The Tigers have recently hired Kevin Kelly from the LA Chargers as their new Director of Player Evaluation and Acquisition. This dual hiring is sure to bolster Clemson’s already impressive staff, enhancing their ability to evaluate and acquire top talent.
Kelly brings over 20 years of experience in talent evaluation from the NFL, having spent the last 12 seasons with the Chargers. His roles have included Senior Director of College Scouting and Senior Scouting Executive. With such a wealth of knowledge, Kelly will work closely with Clemson’s General Manager Jordan Sorrells and Director of Recruiting Ty Clements to enhance player acquisition, evaluation, and retention strategies.
Mike Houston’s coaching journey
Before landing at Clemson, Mike Houston had a varied coaching career. He was most recently the head coach at East Carolina from 2019 to 2024, where he compiled a record of 27-38, including a challenging 15-28 in conference play. While his time at East Carolina may not have been as fruitful as he had hoped, it certainly added to his experience in the college football landscape.
Houston’s coaching journey includes a standout tenure at James Madison, where he led the Dukes to an FCS national title in 2016. Over three seasons, he amassed an impressive record of 37-6, with a remarkable 22-2 in conference matchups. This success at James Madison showcased his ability to build a winning program and develop talent, qualities that Clemson will undoubtedly benefit from.
Prior to his successful run at James Madison, Houston was the head coach at The Citadel from 2014 to 2015. His first season resulted in a 5-7 record, but he quickly turned things around, leading the Bulldogs to a 9-4 record in his second year. This ability to adapt and improve is a testament to Houston’s coaching acumen and determination.
What does this mean for Clemson’s future?
So, what does Houston’s addition mean for Clemson? With his experience and proven track record, Houston is poised to make a significant impact on the Tigers’ defensive strategies. The combination of Houston’s defensive insight and Kelly’s expertise in player evaluation will create a formidable team that can identify and develop talent effectively.
Clemson has been a dominant force in college football, consistently competing for national titles. With Houston and Kelly on board, the Tigers are reinforcing their commitment to excellence. Fans can expect an exciting future as the coaching staff works tirelessly to maintain Clemson’s status as a top-tier program.
Dabo Swinney expressed his enthusiasm about the new hires, stating, “To be able to add someone with Mike’s experience is a great benefit to Clemson.” This sentiment reflects the optimism surrounding the program as it continues to evolve and adapt in the competitive landscape of college football.
As the college football season approaches, all eyes will be on Clemson to see how these changes unfold on the field. Will Houston’s defensive strategies elevate the Tigers to new heights? Can Kelly’s evaluation skills bring in the next wave of standout players? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Clemson is gearing up for a thrilling season ahead.
In a world where college football is constantly changing, the addition of experienced coaches like Mike Houston and Kevin Kelly signifies a dedication to not only maintaining but enhancing the program’s legacy. Fans can look forward to seeing how these strategic moves play out as the Tigers aim for another successful season. With a blend of experience, talent, and a winning mindset, Clemson is ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.
