Enough can’t be said about the disappointment of this 2025 season for Clemson. The Expectations were as high as they could get when this season began. Now just three months later, Dabo Swinney’s program is in a state of turmoil.
It’s gotten to a point where Swinney clearly can’t hide his frustration any longer. Last weekend was tough for the 18-year head coach of the Tigers. His defense that was supposed to be one of the best in the country, has been a colossal let down. He made sure they knew about it on the sideline before halftime of last weekend’s loss. A few bad calls by the referees at the end of that Duke game, has him calling out the officiating in the sport. He even made jokes about the friction between himself and the school’s athletic administration.
Things seem to potentially be reaching a boiling point for Swinney and Clemson. Sitting at 3-5 overall and 2-4 in the ACC, just a year after winning the conference and going to the playoffs will cause frustration. If the Tigers don’t win three of their next four games to make a bowl game, it's likely things will come to a head.
Former Clemson offensive lineman, and current ACC Network analyst Eric Mac Lain said on his Mac & Murray CFB Show podcast that Swinney is in a bad place right now. After losing to the Blue Devils, there were also reports from many Clemson insiders that major changes are expected in the program this offseason.
But, could this be the year the biggest change of them all comes for Clemson football?
It is still hard to imagine Swinney not being front and center on the Tigers’ sideline next season. Those closest to the program don’t see Athletic Director Graham Neff actually firing Swinney at the end of the year. The second half of the Mac & Murray duo, Aaron Murray, does see potential for Swinney to leave the university on his own accord though.
It is something that is not hard to believe with how bad things have gotten. The issues are not just on the field, but apparently behind the scenes as well. Much was made about the reaction from safety Khalil Barnes on the sideline as Swinney ripped into the defense. Reports from insiders over the week suggest the attitude in the locker room is the worst it's ever been in Swinney tenure.
Poor performances on the field, bad attitude from players, vitriol from fans, and disagreements with administration is a mix that would make many coaches step out on a program. Especially in an offseason where so many big time jobs are available.
Swinney’s name is going to be brought up for any opening at a brand name school. The job many thought Swinney would leave for, was at his Alma Mater Alabama a couple years ago when Nick Saban stepped away. Those rumors were shut down by the Clemson coach as quickly as they started though. The Crimson Tide’s rival school, Auburn, just fired its head coach Hugh Freeze recently though. Many are starting to connect Swinney to that job, seeing it as the best fit for him among the current openings.
The more likely thing of course is that Swinney stays, and makes a ton of changes within the Clemson building. That would include both staff and player personnel changes. A win at home against Florida State this weekend could help cool the temperature a bit too. Don’t be surprised though if Swinney has a change of heart and decides after 18 years, it’s time to move on.