CLEMSON, S.C. — Tony Elliott began his journey at Clemson as a walk-on wide receiver in 2003, hoping to secure more playtime after his position coach departed. This change brought in a dynamic new assistant, Dabo Swinney, who had returned to coaching after a stint in commercial real estate. Elliott reflected on that moment, thinking he had finally made enough progress to seize an opportunity at the university.
Elliott had no idea how dramatically his life would shift with Swinney by his side. Eventually, Swinney appointed him as an assistant coach. This Saturday, the two will reconnect at Death Valley when Swinney’s 10th-ranked Tigers take on Elliott’s Virginia Cavaliers, marking the first occasion that Swinney faces one of his former assistants as an opposing head coach.
Their relationship goes beyond a standard boss-employee dynamic. Swinney noted that they forged a bond through shared experiences of overcoming personal adversity; Swinney faced difficulties during his childhood rooted in poverty and family instability, while Elliott dealt with the tragic death of his mother in a car accident on a Sunday morning.
After completing his time at Clemson, Elliott utilized his industrial engineering degree to work with Michelin for a few years. Nonetheless, his passion for football drew him back into the sport. He sought advice from Swinney on how to transition into coaching. Swinney encouraged him to volunteer at a local high school or small college, doing whatever was asked of him to determine if he truly had a love for the game.
Elliott heeded that advice, taking a position as receivers coach at South Carolina State, located around three hours southeast of Clemson, where he served for two seasons. After moving on to Furman for three seasons, Elliott and his wife, Tamika, were visiting Swinney’s home in 2011 when the former position coach invited him to join the Tigers’ staff as a running backs coach. Elliott was taken aback, informing Swinney that he did not have much experience coaching running backs, to which Swinney reassured him that they would teach him.
What Swinney truly wanted was Elliott’s unique blend of football acumen and his natural demeanor when it came to handling people, which would enhance a relatively inexperienced offensive staff at the time. Swinney regarded that moment as one of the most significant in their relationship, emphasizing they were hiring Elliott for his character, not just his coaching skills.
Together, Swinney, Elliott, and the Tigers embarked on what would become a celebrated era in Clemson football history. Over Elliott’s 11 seasons with the team, they achieved 131 wins to 21 losses, secured seven Atlantic Coast Conference titles, made six consecutive appearances in the College Football Playoff, and claimed national championships in 2016 and 2018.
When offensive coordinator Chad Morris departed for SMU following the 2014 season, Swinney elevated Elliott to co-offensive coordinator and chief play caller. Elliott initially found this new responsibility surprising, but over the years he learned that adapting was part of Swinney’s approach to coaching—believing in people and instilling a sense of hope and possibility in them.
Now in his third year leading Virginia, Elliott faced unimaginable challenges in his first season when three players were tragically killed and two others were wounded in a campus shooting. The situation forced him to reevaluate his role immediately. Swinney commended Elliott’s life experiences and empathy, which positioned him as an ideal leader for the Cavaliers during such challenging times.
In the aftermath, Elliott sought guidance from Swinney, who counseled him to stay true to himself and lead from the heart, trusting that divine guidance would steer him in the right direction. Elliott now reflects on that advice, recognizing its significance during a difficult period.
As the Tigers (5-1, 4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) aim for their sixth consecutive victory against the Cavaliers (4-2, 2-1) following Virginia’s recent loss to Louisville, the longtime friends continue to communicate frequently. However, this week is different as they prepare for a competitive matchup.
Regardless of the game’s outcome, Swinney expresses pride in Elliott’s accomplishments and their shared history. He holds a firm belief that Elliott will achieve success at Virginia and whatever paths he chooses to explore in the future. Swinney remarked that when Elliott commits to a goal, he will undoubtedly excel at it.