CLEMSON — The Clemson Insider learned a Clemson Legend is coming home to Clemson.
TCI was told by multiple sources that Dabo Swinney hired former Clemson great and Ring of Honor recipient, Levon Kirkland, to join his staff. We are not sure what Kirkland’s role will be on Swinney’s staff, but we were told it is likely in player relations and development.
Kirkland, who has been nominated for the College Football Hall of Fame the last three years, was an All-American linebacker at Clemson from 1988-’91 before going on to play for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers for nine seasons, one with the Seattle Seahawks and one year with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The former Tiger is already in the Clemson Ring of Honor and the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame for his accomplishments on the field, his four-year degree and significant contributions to the athletic department.
Kirkland has spent the last several years working for the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame, where he has helped promote the game of football in the state, as well as work with and develop young student-athletes across the state.
Before working with the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame, he was also a college defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Florida A&M. He also worked as a developmental coach for the Arizona Cardinals under Bruce Arians.
At Clemson, Kirkland was a first team All-ACC selection for three seasons, was a second team All-American and finalist for the Butkus Award in 1990, and was a consensus First Team All-American in 1991. He was also the MVP of the Tigers’ 1989 Gator Bowl team that bested West Virginia his sophomore year.
Kirkland led a 1990 Clemson defense that led the nation in total defense as it allowed just 219.2 yards per game. They also ranked second nationally in scoring defense (9.1 pts/game) and rushing defense. The Tigers allowed just two opponents to rush for more than 100 yards in a game and the 71.0 rushing yards allowed per game was an ACC record.
That Clemson defense also ranked sixth nationally in passing defense at 148.5 yards per game. It marked the first time in school history Clemson ranked in the top 10 nationally in all three major categories.
When he was with the Steelers, Kirkland was considered one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL. He was named All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl during his time in Pittsburgh.
He also helped lead the Steelers to three AFC Championships Games, one they won in 1996, advancing them to Super Bowl XXX. In Super Bowl XXX, Kirkland dominated the Dallas Cowboys with eight tackles, two tackles for loss, including a sack.
Kirkland had a career-high 126 tackles and five sacks in 1997 on his way to a Pro Bowl season.
After leaving Pittsburgh in 2001, Kirkland landed in Seattle where he led the Seahawks with more than 100 tackles. The following year he helped the Eagles advance to the NFC Championship Game.
Kirkland complied 1,026 tackles and 19.5 sacks in his NFL career. He also had 16 forced fumbles, 11 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries and one touchdown.
After football, Kirkland returned to Clemson and earned his degree and later began coaching high school football in the Greenville, S.C. area. Kirkland recently returned to school again, and earned his Master’s Degree earlier this year.
To honor Clemson’s special senior class Dear Old Clemson is selling footballs signed by 7 of Clemson’s Avengers for only $100. These limited edition footballs are signed by Thomas, Orhorhoro, Davis, Mascoll, Henry, Murphy and Williams. Get one while supplies last.
