Hunter Helms Transitions from Quarterback to Coach, Returning to Clemson Tigers for 2025 Season
Hunter Helms, a former Clemson Tigers quarterback, has decided to retire from playing football and embark on a new journey with the team—this time as a coach. The announcement was made through Chapel Fowler on ‘X’, where Helms and his father revealed that he will join Clemson’s staff as an intern or volunteer coach for the 2025 season.
After dedicating years to playing football, Helms is eager to step into a leadership role on the sidelines. His transition from player to coach represents a significant shift in his football career, signaling his desire to remain connected to the sport and the Clemson program in a different capacity. In 2024, Helms transferred to Rhode Island, where he started six games during the regular season. Despite having the option to return for a sixth year of eligibility, Helms chose to hang up his cleats and pivot toward coaching.
While Helms had other opportunities, including an offer from Oklahoma for a student-coaching role, he ultimately decided to return to his alma mater, Clemson. The decision highlights his deep connection to the university and his desire to contribute to the program that helped shape his collegiate football career. This move mirrors the path taken by other former Clemson players, such as Ben Boulware, who transitioned from player to coach and now serves as an analyst and linebackers coach for the Tigers.
Helms’s coaching opportunity came to fruition with the help of his father, who facilitated discussions with Clemson’s head coach, Dabo Swinney. Swinney, who has a reputation for fostering strong relationships with his players, welcomed Helms back to the program. Given Swinney’s mentorship and guidance, Helms is well-positioned to grow in his new role and develop his coaching skills.
In his new position, Helms will leverage his offensive knowledge to provide valuable insights to the Tigers’ coaching staff. He will work closely with former Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, contributing to the team’s offensive strategies. One of Helms’s primary responsibilities will be working with Clemson’s current quarterback, Cade Klubnik, helping him refine his skills and lead the Tigers on the field.
Helms is set to begin his coaching duties in the summer, starting with high school camps hosted by Clemson. These camps will allow him to gain hands-on experience coaching young athletes while also preparing him for the upcoming college football season. As he settles into his role, Helms will work alongside experienced coaches, gaining valuable insights into the profession and learning the nuances of coaching at a high level.
The decision to return to Clemson and pursue coaching reflects Helms’s deep-rooted passion for the game and the program. Throughout his playing career at Clemson, Helms was recognized as a reliable backup quarterback, and his dedication to the team never went unnoticed. Swinney often praised Helms for his work ethic and positive attitude, making it no surprise that he welcomed him back in a coaching capacity.
For Helms, this new chapter offers a unique opportunity to give back to the program that played a pivotal role in his development. His history with Clemson provides him with a strong foundation, and under Swinney’s mentorship, he has the chance to build a promising coaching career. Helms’s journey from player to coach mirrors the path of many successful football professionals who have made the transition and found fulfillment in guiding the next generation of athletes.
Clemson, which is aiming to reclaim the top spot in the ACC after finishing behind the SMU Mustangs, could benefit from Helms’s fresh perspective on offense. His firsthand experience as a quarterback gives him a unique understanding of the position, and his ability to connect with players could help strengthen the team’s offensive unit. As the Tigers prepare for the 2025 season, Helms’s addition to the coaching staff adds another layer of depth and expertise.
The Tigers are set to begin spring practices on Friday, bringing back much of their 2024 roster, including standout quarterback Cade Klubnik. Helms’s role in working with Klubnik will be crucial as the team looks to refine its offensive strategies and build on the foundation established in previous seasons. With a strong roster and an experienced coaching staff, Clemson is positioned to make a strong push in the upcoming season.
Helms and his father expressed confidence that this coaching opportunity is the right step for his future. Although his time away from Clemson was brief, Helms has made it clear that the university feels like home. His return as a coach not only allows him to stay connected to the program but also offers a chance to contribute to its continued success.
As Helms embarks on this new journey, he joins a long list of former players who have transitioned into coaching roles within their alma mater. His path highlights the importance of relationships, mentorship, and a deep passion for the game—qualities that will undoubtedly serve him well in his coaching career. With Dabo Swinney’s guidance and support, Helms has the opportunity to grow and eventually secure an official coaching title and salary after his initial year as an unpaid intern.
Clemson fans will undoubtedly be excited to see a familiar face on the sidelines, especially one as dedicated to the program as Hunter Helms. His commitment to the Tigers, both as a player and now as a coach, reflects the strong sense of community and loyalty that defines Clemson football. As the team prepares for the 2025 season, Helms’s presence on the coaching staff will be a welcome addition, and his journey from quarterback to coach will serve as an inspiring story for future athletes looking to follow a similar path.
