Just days after it was announced that the Trevor Lawrence era is set to begin at Clemson, the Kelly Bryant era has officially come to an end.
Bryant, the former starting quarterback for the Tigers, is leaving the program, head coach Dabo Swinney confirmed on the ACC teleconference Wednesday morning.
The news first broke just before 10 a.m. Wednesday before Swinney confirmed it about an hour later.
"Obviously saddened and disappointed that he's chosen to leave the team, but I really have absolutely nothing bad that I can say about Kelly Bryant," Swinney said. "He's one of the best young people that I've ever been around. Even though I don't think this was a great decision I certainly respect it."
The Greenville News first reported Bryant's decision and discussed the choice with Bryant in an interview.
"I feel like it's what's best for me and my future," Bryant told The Greenville News. "I was just going to control what I could control and try to make the most of my opportunity, but at the end of the day, I just don't feel like I've gotten a fair shot."
Swinney met with Bryant Monday morning to discuss the coaching staff's decision to name Lawrence the starter for Saturday's game against Syracuse. Bryant did not practice Monday or Tuesday with Swinney saying Tuesday morning that he gave Bryant Monday off after an "emotional" talk.
On Wednesday Swinney refuted the notion that Bryant did not get a fair chance, stating that he was open and honest with him throughout the entire process.
Swinney added that he ultimately had to make the decision he believes is best for the team, and based on the first four games of the season he believes Lawrence deserves to start.
"He's totally entitled to his opinion, but absolutely I think we've given him a fair shot," Swinney said. "At the end of the day this is not middle school. There's tough decisions that have to be made at this level and you've got to do what's best for the team ... There's always gonna be people that are going to criticize the decision because maybe it didn't go the way they wanted it to go or whatever. And that just comes with the territory."
Swinney pointed out that this is not the first time a veteran has lost a starting job to a freshman during his time at Clemson.
Left tackle Mitch Hyatt started as a freshman, as did defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and former quarterback Deshaun Watson.
"There's no question he had a very fair shot here. I've been honest and open and as transparent as possible. But he's entitled to feel however he wants to feel," Swinney said. "And nothing changes how I feel about him. I think he's one of the best young people I've ever been around. It's impossible for me to say anything bad about him and I hope nobody else does either. Just wish him well, support him, and even though we may not like his decision or whatever we've gotta move on. That's just the way we are."
Bryant started 18 games at Clemson, going 16-2 as a starter. He was undefeated at home with his two losses coming at Syracuse in 2017 and against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl last year. Bryant was injured against Syracuse and was unable to finish the game.
"We appreciate everything that Kelly gave to this program while he was here. He's a graduate and one of the best young people you could ever be around," Swinney said. "I feel like Kelly would've continued to help us win and play a lot, but that's not what he wanted to do."
Bryant is allowed to transfer thanks to the new redshirt rule, which was implemented this year. A player can play in up to four games during a season but still keep their year of eligibility and redshirt. Bryant has not used his redshirt year yet and can now do so and play somewhere else next season.
Swinney said Tuesday that he would support whatever decision Bryant chose.
"Certainly if he walked in here today and said, 'Hey, coach, I don't want to play the rest of the year unless you've got to have me,' well 'OK, if that's what you want to do, I'm all for it.' I love Kelly," Swinney said. "I would be disappointed in that because we need him. But I wouldn't judge him for that."
Bryant is the fourth quarterback to transfer from Clemson since the end of last season, joining Tucker Israel, Zerrick Cooper and Hunter Johnson.
