Can't see the article, but anyway:
Normally Clemson would be perceived as a step up from us, but these days you don't leave a Big 12 school for anyone in the ACC besides FSU, UNC, and maybe Duke. Not surprised Clemson interviewed him though. Their fans have been bitching about the school being too straight-laced and not providing enough support to athletics recently so if that's true he'd fit the Clemson leadership's desired profile while likely boosting their ability to raise funds.