Steve Sarkisian and Dabo Swinney publicly rebuked LSU's plan to add tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris after both were cut by NFL teams in August.
Sarkisian called the move "morally wrong," saying it displaces players who have spent 9 months preparing, while Swinney labeled the return of NFL players to college "embarrassing" ahead of Clemson's opener at LSU.
The signings were made possible by fifth-year eligibility lawsuits that reopened roster questions after most teams had largely set their squads for the season.
That backlash has spread beyond rival coaches: the conference approved a rule threatening penalties for schools adding players who had signed pro contracts, though Louisiana has challenged it in court.