Here we go again. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum took another swing at Dabo Swinney and Clemson football on his show, questioning whether the Tigers are still a national force and casting doubt on the direction of the program.
Finebaum’s remarks came in response to a Clemson supporter who defended the program, with the analyst arguing that the team is no longer a legitimate national championship contender after a 7-6 season in 2025.
“I think he believes if he keeps repeating the same lie that Clemson is legitimate and Dabo is a good coach, it will make him at least feel better short term,” Finebaum said.
The commentary marks the latest in a series of critical reviews Finebaum has directed toward Swinney and the Clemson program in recent months.
In May, Finebaum expressed skepticism about the program's leadership, saying, “I don’t have any faith or belief in Dabo Swinney anymore,” before recently projecting a moderate record for Clemson this season.
“I think he’ll have a winning season. I think another good 8-4 season for Dabo,” Finebaum said.
Finebaum also criticized the university's decision to secure Swinney to a lucrative contract extension, questioning the buyout terms and Swinney's actual leverage in the larger college football hiring market. He contrasted Swinney's situation with that of Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, who recently signed a new seven-year, $87.5 million extension.
“First of all, these buyouts are absurd. … What program has ever tried to hire Dabo Swinney? Why do you get that type of leverage at the back end of your contract. Dabo’s never gotten an offer,” Finebaum said. “People can get upset about [Alabama head coach Kalen] DeBoer, but the reason he got the contract [new seven-year, $87.5 million extension] is that they thought he might leave. Nobody wants Dabo Swinney. Alabama, his alma mater, could’ve easily called him. That didn’t even enter their thought process.”
Despite the criticism, Swinney maintains one of the most successful resumes among active coaches in the sport. He holds a career record of 187-53, has captured nine Atlantic Coast Conference championships, and has won two national titles. Swinney remains one of only two active Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches with multiple national championships.
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