Could USF be close to landing Clemson’s Jeff Scott?

Barring some 11th-hour misdirection, USF may be closing in on the program’s fifth football coach.

A preponderance of evidence, and published reports out of Clemson, indicate highly successful Tigers co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott is the guy.

USF coaches are scheduled to meet on Monday morning, the Tampa Bay Times has learned. A players meeting is expected afterward.

Scott was not available to reporters ― a departure from his normal routine ― following the Tigers’ 62-17 romp of Virginia in Saturday night’s ACC title game. A published report out of Clemson, citing an anonymous source, indicated Tigers coach Dabo Swinney told his team Sunday that Scott is headed to USF, though Scott was seen at Clemson’s facility Sunday.

If true, Scott, an Arcadia native who turns 39 on Dec. 28, would become the second member of his immediate family to land a major college head coaching gig.

Scott’s father, Brad, was offensive coordinator on FSU’s 1993 national title team before spending five seasons as coach at South Carolina. Brad Scott has a degree from USF.

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The younger Scott was a receiver and kick holder at Clemson before embarking on his own coaching life. For the last dozen years, he has coached the Tigers receivers, and has shared the offensive coordinator title with Tony Elliott since 2015.

During that half-decade, Clemson has averaged more than 500 yards four times, ranking third in the nation in total offense each of the last two years. His receiver pupils include former bay area prep stars Ray-Ray McCloud (Sickles), Artavis Scott (East Lake) and Deon Cain (Tampa Bay Tech).

Additionally, he is regarded as one of the South’s top recruiters. A married father of a 4-year-old girl, Scott was named 2015 ACC Recruiter of the Year by Rivals and earned the same honor from 247Sports for the 2018 recruiting cycle.

USF is seeking a replacement for Charlie Strong, dismissed on Dec. 1 after losing 14 of his final 18 games as Bulls coach. It is believed Jeff Scott wanted the job when it became vacant in December 2016; a month later, he helped lead Clemson to the national title in the College Football Playoff championship game at Raymond James Stadium.