AP Source: Clemson's Morris to become SMU coach

Published Nov. 30, 2014 6:17 p.m. ET

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Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris will be SMU's new football coach, a person familiar with the school's decision told The Associated Press on Sunday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the school had a news conference planned Monday to introduce the new head coach.

The Mustangs (0-11) have one game left in a dreadful season, during which coach June Jones stepped down after two games. They've been outscored 441-97 and end the season next Saturday at Connecticut.

The 45-year-old Morris is a Texas native and longtime high school coach in the state. He has been Clemson's offensive coordinator since 2011 and is one of the highest paid assistants in college football, making $1.3 million per season.

Morris acknowledged speaking with SMU representatives about the position after Clemson's game Saturday.

''We all know, I do have a goal, I'd love to be a head coach one day,'' Morris said after the Tigers beat South Carolina 35-17. ''When and where, we'll find out soon enough if it's part of the plan. If not, I'm extremely happy here and I love this group of guys. How `bout that?''

SMU athletic director Rick Hart did not return a text message left by the AP on Sunday night.

Morris' first college job was as offensive coordinator at Tulsa under Todd Graham in 2010. He up-tempo spread offense has produced record-setting results during his stint at Clemson.

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AP Sports Writer Stephen Hawkins in Fort Worth, Texas, contributed to this report.