Clemson legend Ben Boulware joins Dabo Swinney's staff

There will be a little extra intensity on the Clemson sideline in 2024. Former Tigers linebacker Ben Boulware has joined the Clemson football staff, Dabo Swinney confirmed on Thursday.

Boulware will be working as an unpaid intern for the Tigers this season.

Dabo Swinney is thrilled to have Boulware back being a part of the Clemson football program.

“He reached out to me a few weeks ago. He’s been really kind of praying on and thinking about trying to get into coaching. And just been something that’s heavy on his heart,” Swinney explaind. “And I said, ‘Well, alright, the only way I’m even going to discuss it further with you is we’ve got a staff meeting next Monday. You’ve got to come to that.

“And then we’ve got five days of all in meetings. And you’ve got to come to that. And after that, if you still think you wanna do it, then we can talk about an opportunity for you.’”

Ben Boulware had an incredible career at Clemson that included helping the Tigers to the 2016 national championship — their first since 1981. Boulware was a heavy hitter and the leader of Brent Venables‘ defense.

It seems that he could have an opportunity to grow into a larger role for the Tigers in the future.

“Man, he’s fired up. This is what he really wants to do,” Swinney said. “So he’ll have an opportunity to come in and work as a full-time intern and we’ll see how it goes. So super excited. I love giving guys an opportunity when I can, with our former players especially. So Ben Boulware, it’s fun to have him back.”

Boulware did not shy away from being outspoken about the Tigers taking a step back in recent years. That included last season as Clemson struggled to a 4-4 start.

Now he will be on staff as the Tigers look to get back to competing for national championships.

“I told him he was a crappy fan. He’s going to be a much better coach,” Swinney said. “So I’m excited about him coming and jumping in there. He’s so fired up to be back on the grass and it’ll be a lot of fun to see him out there.”

Clemson got off to a 4-4 start in 2023, before winning their final five games to end the season. The Tigers will now look to carry that momentum over into 2024, beginning with their season opener against Georgia on Aug. 31.