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Dabo Swinney Fires Back at Critics After Clemson’s 1–2 Start

He cites a decade of titles to defend his tenure, vowing to keep coaching elsewhere if Clemson parts ways.

Image
Sep 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney on the sideline against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images/File Photo
Sep 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney prepares to run on the field with his team before a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Sep 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney prepares to run on the field with his team before a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images/File Photo

Overview

  • Clemson dropped to 1-2 with losses to LSU (17-10) and Georgia Tech (24-21), its first 1-2 start since 2014, and fell out of the AP Top 25.
  • Swinney delivered an extended defense of his record, highlighting eight league titles in the past 10 years, seven CFP appearances, four title-game trips and two national championships.
  • He told reporters, “If they want me gone… they can send me on my way,” adding that he would not retire and would coach at another program.
  • Scrutiny has intensified over Clemson’s roster-building approach, with critics pointing to limited transfer-portal activity, NIL stance and uneven quarterback play.
  • A 10-year, $115 million deal signed in 2022 with an estimated $60 million 2025 buyout makes an immediate coaching change unlikely as Clemson hosts Syracuse next.