Clemson football: Coach Swinney’s culture change prepared us for 2020
Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney changed not just the culture of the football program but also the Clemson community.
When Coach Swinney first took over as head coach of Clemson football, he wanted everyone to be “all-in” and by everyone, he meant fans, students, professors, staff, the community, and alumni. He wanted to create the family atmosphere he knew would set Clemson apart from other programs.
Coach Swinney did not and does not want Clemson University or Clemson football to feel like or resemble any other program in the country.
He wants everyone involved to know that being a Tiger is special. Not everyone can be a champion and not everyone can be a Tiger.
That change has penetrated every aspect of campus from the President’s office all the way to the Clemson Life program, no other schools in the country can say that. Being part of the Clemson family is a lifelong decision for all of those involved.
Changing the culture was not easy. Fans, boosters, students, and players all had to go throw a period of self-reflection and figure out what was needed in order to go where Coach Swinney believed the Clemson community could.
There were bumps and bruises along the way such as losing to South Carolina five straight times, athletes transferring and several close loses but all of that strengthened the culture and truly helped Clemson become one of the best schools in the country as well as the best college football program in the country.
That brings us to current day situations. The 2020 season is one that will not be easy. More than likely there will not be 81,500 fans in Death Valley during home games this season. That means if you are able to attend games, your voice becomes even more important.
This will also take an understanding that potentially not every previous season ticket holder will have access to season tickets in 2020. More than likely, Clemson’s athletic department will be under a public health directive and if that is the case, the Clemson family has to not take things personally if they aren’t able to be in Death Valley for 2020.
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If any program in the country can stay focused from top to bottom and still achieve all of its goals, it is Clemson football. The culture that has been created over the last decade demands patience and there is no doubt that Clemson will set the standard once again.