Clemson RB Phil Mafah details 'smooth transition' to OC Garrett Riley

Clemson is on its third offensive coordinator in three years but it’s been smooth for running back Phil Mafah. 

Dabo Swinney hired former TCU offensive coordinator Garrett Riley this offseason to replace Brandon Streeter. Prior to that, Tony Elliott was the team’s long time OC before he took the Virginia head coach opening.

Joining Sirius XM’s ACC Radio, Mafah detailed the smooth transition between coaches and how the offense won’t miss a step.

“I would say it sounds worse than what it is,” Mafah said. “Honestly I’ve had a smooth transition between the three coordinators. I feel like something that doesn’t change is just the mission of the football team stays the same. The plays may change but we know what we’re here to be, know what we came here to do.

“And we’re just really locked in on that and your personal goals and the team’s goals and that’s no problem having different offensive coordinators, when we’ve learned to adapt and what we had to do in order to be successful.”

Through two seasons, Mafah’s role increased. He finished the 2022 campaign with 98 carries, 515 yards, four touchdowns, 5.2 yards per carry, nine catches and 48 receiving yards.

In his career, Mafah has 166 carries, 807 yards, seven touchdowns, 4.9 yards per carry, 16 catches and 98 receiving yards.

Mafah has big expectations for the Clemson offense moving forward.

“The offense this year, I can tell you it’s going to be explosive,” Mafah said. “We got a lot of guys back that can make big plays. Our O-line’s gonna be better than ever … We just got to keep stacking the days honestly, and just keep buying into what it takes. And I believe that sky’s the limit for our team.”

Mafah has a lot of skill but perhaps the offensive coordinator change could spark a career year for the Clemson running back.

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As a member of the Class of 2021, Mafah was a four-star recruit out of Loganville (Ga.) Grayson, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 17 overall prospect in the state, the No. 12 running back in the class and the No. 194 overall prospect in the class.