During a recent team gathering convened on a Friday afternoon, head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson football program revealed a series of impactful updates. A notable announcement included the advancement of Nick Eason, the defensive tackles coach, to the esteemed position of associate head coach for the Tigers.
Widely recognized as one of the top recruiters on the coaching staff, Nick Eason made a triumphant return to his alma mater on January 7, 2022. His comeback was accompanied by the assumption of crucial roles as Clemson’s defensive run game coordinator and defensive tackles coach. Boasting an impressive 17 combined NFL seasons as a player, Eason brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to his coaching responsibilities.
The 2022 season saw Eason’s influence manifest in the success of Tyler Davis, who garnered prestigious accolades like All-America honors, a first-team All-ACC selection, and a semifinalist acknowledgment for the Chuck Bednarik Award. Eason’s coaching prowess was also evident in the rise of Bryan Bresee, projected as an early-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The positive impact extended to Davis securing first-team All-ACC recognition in 2023, and Peter Woods earning the title of Freshman Interior Defender of the Year by the College Football Network.
Before rejoining the Clemson fold, Eason showcased his coaching acumen as the defensive line coach at Auburn in 2021. His contributions played a pivotal role in the Tigers achieving their highest sack total since 2018, underscoring his ability to make tangible and immediate improvements to the team’s defensive capabilities.
Expanding the coaching roster, the program welcomed former safety Nolan Turner, fresh from his tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, into the role of defensive analyst. Turner, a distinguished figure, previously earned the accolade of a 2020 All-American and served as a two-year team captain. His remarkable six-year Clemson career, spanning from 2016 to 2021, left an enduring impact on the program.
Turner’s on-field achievements are nothing short of impressive, accumulating 259 tackles, including 13.5 for loss, 20 passes broken up, seven interceptions returned for 78 yards, 3.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles. These remarkable stats were amassed over 2,145 snaps across 65 career games, including 25 starts. As of the conclusion of the 2021 season, Turner’s 65 career games ranked fourth in Clemson history, a testament to his perseverance, skill, and leadership.
It’s noteworthy that Turner’s extensive career history places him in esteemed company, trailing only three of his six-year “super senior” teammates in the Clemson record books. His legacy, characterized by skill, and leadership, is poised to enrich the Clemson coaching staff’s analytical perspective.
