Dabo Swinney gets a harsh reality check after another Clemson loss

Amid the coaching carousel, it has just gotten more interesting. Clemson Tigers coach Dabo Swinney could be one of the next out of a job in the coming weeks.

Clemson suffered a heartbreaking 46-45 loss to Duke on Saturday. The Tigers are 3-5 on the season and have struggled. “I may get fired today,” Dabo Swinney said in a press conference after the game. A statement that was a joke could be a reality for Swinney.  

Since officially being named head coach, Clemson has had only one losing season. In 2010, they finished the season 6-7 after losing the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Since then, the Tigers have never lost more than four games in a season. Swinney also led the Tigers to two national championships and nine ACC championships. Swinney has won ACC coach of the year twice, 2015 AP coach of the year, and a three-time Paul “Bear” Bryant Award winner. With a resume this strong, is it enough to keep his job?

Over the past decade, Clemson has been a powerhouse but has failed to live up to that standard this season. Last season, Clemson made an appearance in the College Football Playoffs but was eliminated in the first round.  The Tigers have only made one appearance in the College Football Playoffs since their national championship appearance in 2019. With a win now message being sent around the nation by fan bases and athletic directors, this is a clear red flag for Swinney.

There is no question that Swinney is an outstanding coach. However, he may have just coached his last game at Clemson. If it were ever a worse time to lose games, it’s now. During an abundance of head coach firings. Only time will tell what happens next for Swinney.

Clemson takes on Florida State at home on November 8 at 7 p.m. ET.