Clemson Football is reinforcing its commitment to stability and long-term success, announcing contract extensions, salary increases, and a new staff addition across multiple coaching and administrative roles.

Mike Houston served as East Carolina coach for six seasons with. He will reportedly join Clemson football's staff as a defensive analyst.

Dabo Swinney spoke at Clemson football's 2025 recruiting wrap-up on Wednesday. He also made sure to point out new defensive coordinator Tom Allen.

Clemson has a new defensive coordinator this season, replacing Wes Goodwin with former Penn State DC and Indiana head coach Tom Allen. The Tigers did not replace any other defensive position coaches, but Allen’s son has also joined as an analyst.

Even though Dabo Swinney favors the offensive side of the ball, he has just made another splashy hire to help round out Tom Allen's defensive staff. Mike Houston may have been a problem for East Carolina,

Former ECU Head Football Coach Mike Houston now knows where he will be coaching next year. Houston is headed South to The Palmetto State to join the staff at Clemson University under Dabo Swinney. He will be a defensive assistant coach with the Tigers.

Kevin Kelly, who is currently with the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers, was also hired as the team’s new director of player evaluation and acquisition at a starting annual salary of $360,000. He has 22 years of NFL scouting experience.