Dabo Swinney’s Clemson days are numbered. After Saturday’s defeat by Duke, Tigers coach Dabo Swinney is in danger to miss the postseason in his 17 years of coaching. And he misfired on an awkward joke with Clemson athletic director Graham Neff in attendance amid a season of frustration that seemingly hit a boiling point inside Memorial Stadium.Swinney, with a smirk, said, “I might get fired today. Graham is sitting in the back. So I don’t really know. Can’t say that I would blame him.” Swinney made the comment during his press conference. Dabo’s arrogant act in front of his boss proved that he has already too much power. Swinney said, “Shoot. We have to win some games.” “I’m only worried about trying Florida State.”
Swinney, in addition to discussing his future, also attacked the officials for the Saturday loss. It was the first time the program had ever lost a game when it scored 45 points. Swinney took issue with a penalty on his defense for a fourth-down game that allowed Duke to score, forcing overtime. Swinney also took aim at the officials. Swinney stood by his comments made on Sunday and the ACC responded with a $10,000 fine for Clemson. Swinney also received a public reprimand. He said that there was a great deal of accountability on the part of coaches and players but not much accountability from refs. “I think there should be some way of challenging a call such as that. It was just very, very frustrating. “But, as I stated last night, I do not blame this on the loss.”
Swinney’s comments about his future at Clemson have been similar all season. He joked after a road defeat to Georgia Tech that Clemson’s decision-makers, and its deep-pocketed supporters could give him the boot.Swinney stated, “If they don’t want me to stay, and they are tired of winning, then they can send my way.” Swinney is safe at Clemson, given his impressive resume of nine conference championships and two national titles along with a 60 million dollar buyout. Neff is always in Swinney’s corner, despite the increasing criticism that Swinney hasn’t adjusted to the new era in college football of NIL offers and transfer portal influence.
Clemson’s recent coaching carouselDateCoachChange(In/Out/Role/Position & NotesJan. Clemson’s recent coaching carouselDateCoachChange (In/Out/Role)Position / NotesJan. 12, 2023Brandon StreeterFired / removedOffensive Coordinator & QBs — released after 2022 seasonJan. 13, 2023Garrett RileyHiredOffensive Coordinator & QBs — hired from TCUNov. 30, 2023Thomas AustinLet goOffensive Line Coach — did not return for 2024 seasonNov. 30, 2023Lemanski HallLet goDefensive Ends Coach — did not return for 2024Dec. 4, 2023Matt LukeHiredOffensive Line Coach — former Ole Miss HC, UGA assistantDec. 4, 2023Chris RumphHiredDefensive Ends Coach — hired from NFL (Chargers/Vikings)Jan. 6, 2025Wes GoodwinFired / removedDefensive Coordinator & Linebackers Coach — dismissed after 2024 seasonJan. 14, 2025Tom AllenHiredDefensive Coordinator & Linebackers Coach — hired from Penn State (former Indiana HC) Swinney has not won a playoff game at Clemson since losing in the national championship game to Joe Burrow and LSU to end the 2019 season. Swinney has helped to cultivate a high expectation level for the Clemson program, but despite four years of winning 10 or even more games since then, it is clear that the program’s decline has been evident.
Swinney’s comments about Clemson’s bad season are not the only ones. Swinney had to answer his first serious questions in 2025 after Clemson lost to Georgia Tech early, dropping them to 1-2. He didn’t sound like he was sorry.Swinney’s answer included the statement, “Perspective matters.” “If they want to send me out, they’re tired, then they can, as we’ve only won. If they are tired of winning, we have won the league eight times in the last ten years. Is it not good to have won eight of the last ten years? I just want to know, “Is that good?” I don’t know if this is good or bad, winning your league eight of the last 10 years. To go to playoffs seven of the last 10 years. To be in four national titles, and to win it twice ….”Hey listen, if Clemson gets tired of my winning, send me away. But, I’m going to another place to coach. “I’m not going to the beach. Hell, I’m 55. I’ve got a lot to do. I’m going to be around for a little while. There’s a long road ahead of me. I’m just getting going. I am just getting started. Just now am I figuring it all out. We’ll still be here for a little while. We’ll be around for a while.Clemson has lost six straight home games against Power Four teams dating back to the last season and is 13-9 versus ACC since the beginning of the 2022 campaign. Clemson won’t be ranked this season unless they get hot in the final weeks.
2025-11-03 02:10:23
