As the Clemson Tigers' season spirals into a historic disaster, one of college football's most iconic voices has delivered a blunt and devastating assessment of the man in charge.
Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton unloaded on Dabo Swinney this week, arguing that the only thing saving the two-time national champion from the hot seat is a single victory from last season.
"The only reason why Dabo Swinney is not like Deshaun Foster, is not like Billy Napier, is not like James Franklin, is because he just won an ACC Championship last year," Newton said on ESPN's First Take. "Had he not won that, that’s the only thing that’s keeping his job as the head coach of the Clemson University.”
The scathing critique comes as Clemson sits at a stunning 3-4, having lost its third home game of the season for the first time since 2001 and suffering its fifth straight loss to a Power Four opponent.
'Stubborn... You Live With It and You Gotta Die With It'
For Newton, the root of Clemson's shocking decline is clear: Swinney's "stubborn" and "outdated" refusal to fully embrace the new era of college football.
“He has been behind in NIL. He has been behind in saying, like, yeah, we want to go attack the transfer portal,” Newton stated bluntly. “When you’re stubborn with that, you live with it and you gotta die with it as well. And that’s the unfortunate truth of the disappointing season that we’ve seen Clemson has had this whole year.”
While Swinney continues to promise that "we'll win more championships," Newton sees a coach whose methods are no longer viable in a landscape dominated by player empowerment and constant movement.
'He Has to Now Alter His Coaching Strategy'
Newton argued that Swinney's "build from within" philosophy, which extends to both his players and his coaching staff, has become a critical weakness. In an era where recruiting is a multifaceted battle for talent and money, Swinney's approach has fallen behind.
“The thing about NIL and the thing about Gen Z is players need guys that are relatable to them," Newton explained. "It’s not just recruiting the players anymore. You gotta recruit the whole family... From an old school coach that is a Dabo Swinney, he has to now alter his coaching strategy, and that has to come with change.”
The message from the former superstar was unequivocal. As Swinney continues to preach patience and promise a return to glory, the game has changed around him. If the coach doesn't change with it, the fall from the top of the mountain will only continue.