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Dabo Swinney came into this season with championship hopes. But that's not reality with the Clemson Tigers looking bad in the first half against Georgia Tech. The program's College Football Playoff dreams could be on the line Saturday.
This might be a crossroads moment for Swinney, who has no answer for Haynes King and the Yellow Jackets offense. There is time left for a comeback, as fans are already calling for Clemson to get rid of their beloved coach.
Man we also need to place blame on Dabo. This is your program. That you have let regressed.. I’m not saying he should be fired but this is disappointing to watch
— ⚡️T-Time ⚡️ (@Ayo_TTime9) September 13, 2025However, the cost for the Clemson Tigers to part ways with head coach Dabo Swinney would nearly be an act of Congress.
Dabo should be on the hot seat if he can’t win with this team - Far too talented to look this mediocre.
— Alex Franczek (@AlexFranczek) September 13, 2025Swinney is in the midst of the 2025 season as the second highest-paid coach in college football at $11.1 million, according to USA TODAY Sports. That number can go up significantly based on certain incentives throughout the year.
Dabo Swinney buyout at Clemson
As of December 1, 2024, Dabo Swinney's buyout is $60 million which ranks as the fifth-most expensive in college football.
Dabo Swinney bonuses
he most the Clemson coach can earn in bonuses is $1.5 million in 2025. Bonuses paid for 2025-26 includes $100,000 connected with team academic achievement that was allocated among the staff.
Clemson lost its season opener 17-10 to the LSU Tigers and started 2025 off on the wrong foot. One notable detail is that Swinney's current contract contains a buyout clause worth $60 million for 2025 and $57 million in 2026, per Spotrac.
Swinney signed a 10-year, $115 million contract extension with Clemson in 2022 and runs through 2031. He earned that contract earlier in his tenure with the Tigers after a pair of national championships. Dabo is also the winningest coach in franchise history.
However, the collegiate landscape changes quickly and Swinney doesn't seem to be adapting with the changes. He has notably avoided using the transfer portal as a tool to improve the roster, which puts his team behind others.
Clemson won an ACC title and appeared in the College Football Playoff last year. But without another national championship, Swinney will need a significant turnaround to do it this season following the LSU loss. But with his past success and over-inflated buyout don't expect much movement.
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