Ad Disclosure
Clemson coordinator tests positive for COVID, will miss Playoff semifinal
By Keith Farner
Published:
Clemson will have to shuffle its coaching duties in the Sugar Bowl, the program announced, following an update that offensive coordinator Tony Elliott has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not make the trip to New Orleans.
The program said in an announcement, “Elliott will be unavailable for the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Friday, Jan. 1, while in COVID-19 protocols. Elliott will not travel with the team to New Orleans this afternoon.”
Elliott is was the recipient of the 2017 Frank Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach, and he’s been in the middle of the program’s success in recent years. Entering this season, the Tigers had a 70-5 record in 75 games since his 2014 promotion. He was co-offensive coordinator of Clemson’s 2016 and 2018 national championship teams. He was named co-offensive coordinator prior to the 2014 Russell Athletic Bowl.
The game, set for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, is a rematch of last year’s semifinal in the Fiesta Bowl. Clemson, led by QB Trevor Lawrence topped Buckeyes QB Justin Fields, 29-23. Both quarterbacks, who were early season Heisman Trophy contenders, will meet again in the Big Easy
Ohio State has received widespread criticism, including from Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, for playing just six games because of a COVID-19 issues, the Buckeyes were picked as the No. 3 seed behind No. 2 Clemson, which is 10-1, in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
