Chad Morris reportedly interviews with N.C. State

CLEMSON — Wednesday, Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris took his first spin on this winter’s coaching carousel.

According to TigerIllustrated.com, Morris interviewed in Atlanta with N.C. State officials looking for the Wolfpack’s next head coach.

N.C. State fired coach Tom O’Brien Sunday following six steady but unspectacular seasons; four bowl games but only a 22-26 record in ACC play. Athletic director Debbie Yow’s search is reportedly focused on a younger coach who runs a high-powered offense. Morris is 43, and has revitalized the Tigers’ offense in two seasons under his watch.

Clemson (10-2) ranks sixth nationally in scoring offense at 42.3 ppg, eighth in total offense at 518.3 ypg, and 13th in passing offense at 319.5 ypg.

It is believed that Morris and Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Dykes interviewed with Yow Wednesday. Dykes, a disciple of spread guru Mike Leach, worked under Leach for six seasons at Texas Tech, then spent three seasons as Arizona’s offensive coordinator before taking over as Louisiana Tech’s head coach in 2010. Under Dykes, the Bulldogs are 22-15; they won the Western Athletic Conference a year ago and went 9-3 overall this season.

Like Morris, Dykes is 43 and has roots in Texas high school football. Dykes is believed to be the favorite for the position.

Morris makes $1.3 million annually as the nation’s highest-paid assistant coach. State is moving quickly to replace O’Brien; the university’s board of trustees held an emergency session Wednesday to determine salary parameters for a new head coach. O’Brien made $1.9 million annually.