Dabo Swinney on departures of Todd Bates, Brent Venables

Clemson’s defensive coaching staff got a major overhaul this offseason after Brent Venables and Todd Bates went to Oklahoma. This week, Dabo Swinney commented on the two high-profile departures.

Venables was Clemson’s defensive coordinator for 17 years and Bates was the Tigers’ defensive tackles coach since 2018 after starting as defensive line coach in 2017. Next year, Venables will be Oklahoma’s head coach and brought Bates along as co-defensive coordinator and defensive tackles coach.

They’re two big losses to Swinney’s staff, but he said there’s no ill will. He understands why both coaches, specifically Bates, made the move.

“It just was an opportunity for a promotion for him,” Swinney said. “He felt like this was the opportunity to be part of the coordinating of it, and it’s just what he wanted to do. That’s just kind of the business. It’s all good. Good for him, happy for Brent and like I said, we got Nick, so it’s good all the way around. Everybody’s in a good spot.

“As I’ve said many times, Todd did a great job for us. I gave him an opportunity to come in here. At that time, he had only coached JUCO and high school and one double-A. … I gave him an opportunity, but he took advantage of the opportunity and did a great job. That’s why he got promoted, that’s why he kept going and that’s why he got this opportunity. I think Todd will have a chance to be a head coach soon. He’s really gifted. He did a great job. That’s one of the reasons Brent is giving him this opportunity. For him, he felt like this was the next step for him. so that’s really all there is to it.”

Dabo Swinney on replacing Todd Bates

Swinney found a more than capable replacement for Bates in Nick Eason. Eason has seven years of NFL coaching experience in addition to his 10-year playing career, which included a Super Bowl XLIII victory. He spent last year at Auburn before deciding to return to his alma mater.

Swinney said he took a different approach with Eason’s hiring than he did with Bates’ and explained his rationale.

“Thankful that we were able to bring Nick in here,” Swinney said. “He was exactly what i was looking for with this hire. When I hired Todd, Dan Brooks had been here a long time. It was amazing. I wanted a really young, hungry guy, and that’s what Todd Bates brought. With this hire and the makeup of our roster, I really wanted a guy that had a lot of pro experience. Nick brought all that. Nick’s played 10 years, coached eight or nine years, Super Bowl champ. He’s got more pro experience than college, but he really loves college.

“He’s a mentor, he’s a teacher, he’s a guy that really love impacting young people’s lives. So it’s been awesome from the moment he said I’m coming. He’s been amazing and how he’s already developed relationship with these players on the team, recruits, etc. for this class and next year’s, as well.”