Chad Morris: 'I Am a Clemson Tiger'

Morris spoke to the media Tuesday at Clemson in a press conference to introduce new assistant coaches.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:09 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Jan 13, 2011 2:32 PM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

CLEMSON, South Carolina – Former Tulsa offensive coordinator Chad Morris was part of a press conference Thursday at Clemson introducing new assistant coaches.

After Tulsa coach Todd Graham left the university to take the head coaching job at Pittsburgh, rumors swirled that Morris would be a candidate for the head coaching position at Tulsa.

When asked about that possibility at the press conference, Morris replied, “I’m wearing orange, I’m sitting here in front of you. I am a Clemson Tiger.”

Multiple reports out of Clemson have stated that Morris has been on campus, already at work for the Tigers while his contract has not yet been finalized.

Clemson head coach Dabo Sweeney said he talked to Todd Graham about Morris.

“This is a big hire and this is what I was looking to do offensively,” Sweeney said.

He also said he was aware of the confusion regarding how Morris was on campus and working before a contract was final.

“I know there’s been a lot of rumors, I wasn’t really sure (Morris) was here either,” Sweeney said.

Morris said he did have contact with Tulsa about the head coaching position on Tuesday, but was never offered the position.

“Did I talk to them? The answer is yes,” Morris said. “(Tulsa athletic director) Bubba Cunningham called and we talked in depth.”

Morris spent 16 years as a prep coach in Texas before TU gave him his first college job in January 2010. In his only season with the Golden Hurricane, Morris’ offense finished fifth in the nation.

Earlier in January, Clemson announced that offensive coordinator Bill Napier and running backs coach Andre Powell would not return to the program next season.

Morris is expected to receive a four-year contract with Clemson and an annual salary of $450,000.

When asked if he would still consider the Tulsa job if offered now, Morris said, “I am a Clemson Tiger.”

Oklahoma Sports will update this story as more details become available.