Athlon Sports recently ranked all 130 college football head coaches for the 2017 season. Clemson’s Dabo Swinney came in at No. 5.
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With two consecutive National Championship appearances under his belt, Dabo Swinney is undoubtedly the best head coach in Clemson football history. According to Athlon Sports, Swinney has more to accomplish before he can be named in the same breath as the Nick Saban’s of the world.
While being named one of the top 5 coaches in the country is certainly a privilege, I believe Swinney is top 3 at the moment. After looking at the names ahead of Swinney, there is no doubt in my mind that he is deserving of a top 3 ranking.
Notable rankings:
Jimbo Fisher No. 4 –
Florida State’s Jimbo Fisher is one slot ahead of Swinney at No. 4. Deciding between the two of them is difficult, however, I believe Swinney has the edge over Fisher. Both have won at the highest level in college football, but, Swinney’s climb to the top was much more difficult. Florida State had been to the summit before Fisher arrived, he took over at an established recruiting power. Clemson on the other hand was a fixer upper that Swinney and his staff breathed life into.
Jim Harbaugh No. 3 –
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While Fisher over Swinney isn’t that far fetched, Jim Harbaugh being ranked No. 3 is absurd. I understand that Harbaugh has won at every program he has been at (San Diego State, Stanford, 49ers, Michigan), but, he has no championships to show for. If Swinney is No. 5, Harbaugh has no business being No. 3.
To be completely honest, I don’t see Harbaugh being able to crack .500 against Urban Meyer and Ohio State while he is in Ann Arbor. He is currently 0-3 vs. the Buckeyes. It’s completely possible that Harbaugh develops into a Urban Meyer-esque dominant force, but, it is also possible that he develops into a Mark Richt-esque coach who recruits well and falls just short of a championship time and time again.
Expectations
With wins over three of Athlon Sports’ top four coaches and two straight National Championship appearances, Dabo Swinney is deserving of a top 3 ranking at the absolute least. Should the Tigers make it to a third straight College Football Playoff, Dabo Swinney will enter the discussion as one of the best to ever grace the sidelines.
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