When Dabo Swinney took over as head coach of the Clemson Tigers in 2008, he had big shoes to fill. The program had been struggling for years, and fans were skeptical of Swinney’s ability to turn things around. However, he proved them wrong and led the team to multiple conference championships and national titles.
But even the most successful coaches face challenges, and Swinney was no exception. After a disappointing 7-6 season in 2019, he knew he needed to make some changes. That’s when he turned to a familiar face – his former colleague from the Green Bay Packers, Bobby Engram.
Engram, who had previously coached Clemson’s running backs and special teams under Tommy West, was now coming back to the Tigers as an assistant coach. And he wasn’t just any assistant coach – Engram brought with him 25 years of experience in the NFL and a seven-figure deal.
Swinney’s decision to hire Engram was met with mixed reactions. Some praised the move, seeing it as a sign of Swinney’s commitment to improving the team. Others were skeptical, questioning the hefty salary and wondering if Engram’s NFL experience would translate to success in college football.
But Swinney was confident in his decision. In an interview with EssentiallySports, he opened up about why he chose to bring Engram back to Clemson.
“When things began to crumble for us last season, I knew I needed to make some changes. I needed someone I could trust, someone who had been through tough times before and come out on top,” Swinney said. “Bobby was the first person who came to mind. We had worked together in the past, and I knew he was the right man for the job.”
Engram’s experience in the NFL was a major factor in Swinney’s decision. He had played for multiple teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs, and had been a part of two Super Bowl-winning teams. He also had experience coaching at the professional level, serving as an offensive assistant for the San Francisco 49ers.
But it wasn’t just Engram’s impressive resume that caught Swinney’s attention. It was his character and leadership qualities that truly stood out.
“Bobby is a natural leader. He has a way of bringing out the best in his players and inspiring them to reach their full potential,” Swinney said. “He’s also a great teacher and communicator, which are essential qualities for a coach at any level.”
Engram’s impact on the team was evident from the start. His expertise in developing wide receivers was crucial in the Tigers’ offensive success, as they finished the 2020 season with the third-highest scoring offense in the country. His experience with special teams also paid off, with Clemson ranking in the top 20 in both kick and punt returns.
But Engram’s contributions went beyond just on-field success. He also played a crucial role in helping the team navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Having someone like Bobby on our coaching staff was a huge advantage during these difficult times. His experience and knowledge helped us adapt and overcome the many obstacles we faced throughout the season,” Swinney said.
Engram’s impact on the team was not lost on the players either. Wide receiver Amari Rodgers, who was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2021, spoke highly of Engram’s influence on his development.
“Bobby was a great coach and mentor to me. He helped me improve my game and prepare for the next level,” Rodgers said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him, and I know he’ll continue to have a positive impact on the Tigers.”
As for the skeptics who questioned Engram’s hefty salary, Swinney believes it was money well spent.
“Success doesn’t come cheap. We knew we needed to invest in the right people to get back to where we want to be, and Bobby was worth every penny,” Swinney said.
And the results speak for themselves. In just one season with Engram on the coaching staff, the Tigers bounced back with a 10-2 record and a trip to the College Football Playoff.
Swinney’s decision to hire Engram may have been met with doubt and criticism, but it ultimately proved to be a game-changing move for the Clemson Tigers. With his leadership, expertise,
