Dabo Swinney: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|American football coach (born 1969)}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}} |
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{{Infobox college coach |
{{Infobox college coach |
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| name |
| name = Dabo Swinney |
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| image |
| image = President Trump Welcomes the Clemson Tigers to the White House (39791534643) (cropped).jpg |
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| alt |
| alt = |
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| caption |
| caption = Swinney in 2019 |
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| current_title = [[Head coach]] |
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| sport = [[American football|Football]] |
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| current_team = [[Clemson Tigers football|Clemson]] |
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| current_title = [[Head coach]] |
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| current_team = [[Clemson Tigers football|Clemson]] |
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| current_conference = [[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]] |
| current_conference = [[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]] |
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| current_record |
| current_record = 180–47 |
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| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1969|11|20}} |
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| contract = |
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| birth_place = [[Birmingham, Alabama]], U.S. |
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| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1969|11|20}} |
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| death_date = |
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| birth_place = [[Birmingham, Alabama]] |
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| |
| death_place = |
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| alma_mater = |
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| player_years1 = 1990–1992 |
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| player_team1 = [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama]] |
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| player_positions = [[Wide receiver]] |
| player_positions = [[Wide receiver]] |
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| coach_years1 = 1993–1995 |
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| coach_years = 1993–1995<br>1996–2000<br>2003–2008<br>2008–present |
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| coach_team1 = [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama]] ([[Graduate assistant|GA]]) |
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| coach_years2 = 1996 |
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| admin_years = |
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| coach_team2 = Alabama (WR/TE) |
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| admin_teams = |
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| coach_years3 = 1997 |
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| overall_record = 61–26 |
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| coach_team3 = Alabama (TE) |
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| bowl_record = 4–3 |
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| coach_years4 = 1998–2000 |
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| CFbDWID = 5871 |
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| coach_team4 = Alabama (WR) |
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| championships = [[2011 ACC Championship Game|ACC]] (2011) |
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| coach_years5 = 2003–2006 |
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| awards = [[Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award|Bobby Dodd COY]] (2011) |
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| coach_team5 = [[Clemson Tigers football|Clemson]] (WR/RC) |
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| coach_years6 = 2007–2008 |
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| coach_team6 = Clemson (AHC/WR/RC) |
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| coach_years7 = 2008 |
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| coach_team7 = Clemson (interim HC/[[Offensive coordinator|OC]]) |
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| coach_years8 = 2009–present |
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| coach_team8 = Clemson |
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| overall_record = 180–47 |
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| bowl_record = 12–9 |
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| tournament_record = 6–5 ([[College Football Playoff|CFP]]) |
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| championships = {{plainlist| |
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* 2 [[College football national championships in NCAA Division I FBS|national]] (2016, 2018) |
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* 9 [[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]] (2011, 2015–2020, 2022, 2024) |
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* 10 [[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC Atlantic Division]] (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015–2020, 2022) |
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}} |
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| awards = {{Plainlist| |
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* 3× [[Paul "Bear" Bryant Award]] (2015, 2016, 2018) |
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* [[AFCA Coach of the Year Award|AFCA Coach of the Year]] (2015) |
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* [[Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year Award|AP College Football Coach of the Year]] (2015) |
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*[[Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year|Sporting News Coach of the Year]] (2015) |
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* [[Home Depot Coach of the Year Award|Home Depot Coach of the Year]] (2015) |
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* [[Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award|Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year]] (2011) |
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* [[Walter Camp Coach of the Year]] (2015) |
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* [[George Munger Award]] (2015) |
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* [[Touchdown Club of Columbus#Woody Hayes Trophy|Woody Hayes Trophy Coach of the Year]] (2018) |
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* 2× [[Atlantic Coast Conference football individual awards#Coach of the Year|ACC Coach of the Year]] (2015, 2018) |
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}} |
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| coaching_records = |
| coaching_records = |
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}} |
}} |
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'''William Christopher''' "'''Dabo'''" '''Swinney''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|d|æ|b|oʊ|_|ˈ|s|w|iː|n|iː}};<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2015 |title=The age old debate continues on how to correctly pronounce "Clemson" – YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gu01H8b9C8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211111/3Gu01H8b9C8 |archive-date=November 11, 2021 |access-date=January 2, 2021 |website=YouTube.com |publisher=WYFF News 4}}{{cbignore}}</ref> born November 20, 1969) is an American [[college football]] coach, currently serving as the head football coach at [[Clemson Tigers football|Clemson University]]. Swinney took over as head coach of the [[Clemson Tigers football|Clemson Tigers]] seven games into the [[2008 Clemson Tigers football team|2008 season]], following the resignation of [[Tommy Bowden]]. Swinney's team won national championships in [[2017 College Football Playoff National Championship|2016]] and [[2019 College Football Playoff National Championship|2018]]. His [[2018 Clemson Tigers football team|2018 Clemson Tigers]] have often been considered one of the greatest college football teams of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kenyon |first=David |date=May 16, 2020 |title=The 10 Best College Football Teams of All Time |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2885279-the-10-best-college-football-teams-of-all-time |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 10, 2019 |title=The 150 greatest teams in college football's 150-year history |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/page/CFB150teams/the-150-greatest-teams-college-football-150-year-history |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Newberry |first=Paul |date=January 8, 2019 |title=How Clemson compares with other recent dominant college football national champions |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2019-01-08/college-football-national-champions-clemson-stats-history |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=NCAA |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He is the winningest head coach in Clemson football history and [[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]] football history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Long |first=Christina |date=October 4, 2023 |title=Dabo Swinney surpasses Frank Howard as Clemson football's winningest coach with Notre Dame win |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2023/11/04/dabo-swinney-clemson-football-coach-win-record-frank-howard/71209111007/#:~:text=CLEMSON%20%E2%80%94%20Dabo%20Swinney%20is%20the,of%20165%2D118%2D12. |access-date=January 22, 2024 |website=Greenville Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-06 |title=Dabo Swinney passes Bobby Bowden on ACC all-time wins list as Clemson defeats Florida State |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/dabo-swinney-passes-bobby-bowden-on-acc-all-time-wins-list-as-clemson-defeats-florida-state/ |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> |
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== Early life and education == |
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Swinney's parents, Carol McIntosh and Ervil Swinney, married shortly after Carol's high school graduation.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Schlabach |first=Mark |date=January 7, 2016 |title=Dabo Swinney's life of family pain, poverty and love of Alabama |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/14519758/dabo-swinney-overcame-pain-poverty-reach-new-heights-clemson |access-date=November 11, 2023 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref> The couple had three boys: Tracy, Tripp, and William (Dabo).<ref name=":0" /> |
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Although born in Birmingham, Swinney was raised in [[Pelham, Alabama|Pelham.]]<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Lentz |first=Zach |date=June 4, 2022 |title=In His Own Words: Dabo Swinney's Journey from Pelham to Clemson |url=https://www.si.com/college/clemson/football/in-his-own-words-dabo-swinneys-journey-from-pelham-to-clemson |access-date=November 11, 2023 |website=Sports Illustrated Clemson Tigers News, Analysis and More |language=en}}</ref> He attended [[Pelham High School (Alabama)|Pelham High School]], where he played a number of sports, including baseball and football.<ref name=":2" /> |
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Facing financial troubles after his parents divorced, Swinney and his mother were temporarily homeless and lived with various friends for a period of time.<ref name=":0" /> Nevertheless, Swinney was an honor student and continued to excel in football.<ref name=":3" /> |
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His high school coach encouraged Swinney to pursue basketball at a number of colleges; however, Swinney insisted on the [[University of Alabama]]—his father's favorite football team—once he learned that he was admissible.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" /> Swinney once revealed, "I didn't know what a [[Pell Grant]] was, and I didn't know how to do student loans. I had no clue. I had no collegiate background in my family of how to do that type of stuff."<ref name=":2" /> |
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While in college, his mother stayed with him and a classmate in an off-campus apartment for three years until she could afford her own home.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bonesteel |first=Matt |date=January 6, 2016 |title=Here's why Dabo Swinney brought his mom with him to college |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/01/06/heres-why-dabo-swinney-brought-his-mom-with-him-to-college/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202233724/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/01/06/heres-why-dabo-swinney-brought-his-mom-with-him-to-college/ |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |access-date=January 30, 2021 |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> Swinney worked a number of low wage jobs during the summer of his sophomore year in order to pay for tuition, rent, and other expenses.<ref name=":3" /> That fall, he received a notice that he owed the university $550 that was due the next day or his classes would be dropped and he would be disqualified from the football team.<ref name=":3" /> That same day he opened a credit line with [[Discover Card|Discover credit card]], which allowed him to pay the outstanding balance along with his rent.<ref name=":3" /> |
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Swinney was involved in Greek Life during college, and was initiated as a brother of the [[Pi Kappa Alpha]] fraternity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 17, 2020 |title=Dabo Swinney |url=https://pikes.org/ourstaff/dabo-swinney/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313172318/https://pikes.org/ourstaff/dabo-swinney/ |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=The Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity |language=en-US}}</ref> He received his bachelor's degree in commerce & business administration in 1993 and two years later, he earned a master's degree in [[Business administration|Business Administration]] from the same university.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 1, 2018 |title=Dabo Swinney |url=https://clemsontigers.com/coaches/dabo/ |access-date=November 5, 2023 |website=Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site |language=en-US}}</ref> At one point, his career goals included being a doctor and running a hospital.<ref name=":2" /> |
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'''William Christopher "Dabo" "Soybean Wind" Swinney''' (born November 20, 1969) is an [[American football]] college coach and former player. He is currently the [[head coach]] at [[Clemson Tigers football|Clemson]]. He took over the head coaching job at Clemson from [[Tommy Bowden]] mid way though the 2008 football season. As Clemson head coach, he makes over $3 million a year.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10314032/dabo-swinney-clemson-tigers-gets-8-year-deal|title=Dabo Swinney gets 8-year deal|date=January 9, 2014|publisher=ESPN}}</ref> |
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==Playing career== |
==Playing career== |
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Swinney joined the [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama Crimson Tide]] as a [[walk-on (sports)|walk-on]] [[wide receiver]] in 1989.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haygood |first=Sheldon |date=August 30, 2019 |title=A hero's welcome for Dabo Swinney at Pelham High School |url=https://www.wbrc.com/2019/08/31/heroes-welcome-dabo-swinney-pelham-high-school/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313171852/https://www.wbrc.com/2019/08/31/heroes-welcome-dabo-swinney-pelham-high-school/ |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=WBRC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schroeder |first=George |date=January 10, 2016 |title=Through hard work, perseverance, Dabo Swinney made sure he was noticed |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2016/01/10/clemson-dabo-swinney-alabama-walk-on-college-football-playoff/78596490/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313171928/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2016/01/10/clemson-dabo-swinney-alabama-walk-on-college-football-playoff/78596490/ |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> He earned a scholarship and lettered on three teams (1990–1992), including the Crimson Tide's [[1992 Alabama Crimson Tide football team|1992 National Championship team]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scarborough |first=Alex |date=October 14, 2017 |title=Swinney attends Alabama's '92 title reunion |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/21024197/dabo-swinney-attends-reunion-tuscaloosa-alabama-1992-national-championship-team |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313172003/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/21024197/dabo-swinney-attends-reunion-tuscaloosa-alabama-1992-national-championship-team |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref> During his time as an undergraduate at Alabama, Swinney was twice named an Academic All-[[Southeast Conference|SEC]] and SEC Scholar Athlete Honor Roll member.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dabo Swinney Biography |url=http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28500&ATCLID=205529394 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112192509/http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28500&ATCLID=205529394 |archive-date=January 12, 2017 |website=Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site}}</ref> In three seasons at Alabama, he caught seven passes for 81 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dabo Swinney College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/dabo-swinney-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701200352/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/dabo-swinney-1.html |archive-date=July 1, 2017 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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Swinney was raised in [[Pelham, Alabama]], and attended the [[University of Alabama]], where he joined the [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Crimson Tide football]] program as a [[walk-on (sports)|walk-on]] [[wide receiver]] in 1989. He earned a scholarship and lettered on three teams (1990–1992), including the Crimson Tide's [[1992 Alabama Crimson Tide football team|1992 National Championship team]]. During his time as an undergraduate at Alabama, Swinney was twice named an Academic All-[[Southeast Conference|SEC]] and SEC Scholar Athlete Honor Roll member.<ref>Clemson University Athletic Department, [http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28500&ATCLID=205529394 Dabo Swinney Biography]</ref> He received his degree in commerce & business administration in 1993 as well as a master's degree in business administration from Alabama in 1995. |
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==Coaching career== |
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==Assistant football coach== |
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===Alabama=== |
===Alabama=== |
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While completing work on his [[MBA]], Swinney served as a graduate assistant at Alabama under [[Gene Stallings]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blanton |first=Al |date=July 23, 2019 |title=Built by Bama: How Gene Stallings and a national championship team shaped Dabo Swinney |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/alabama-football/dabo-swinney-built-by-bama/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313172451/https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/alabama-football/dabo-swinney-built-by-bama/ |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Solomon |first=Jon |date=December 21, 2015 |title=Dabo's lost years: How Clemson's Swinney got back into coaching |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/dabos-lost-years-how-clemsons-swinney-got-back-into-coaching/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313172531/https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/dabos-lost-years-how-clemsons-swinney-got-back-into-coaching/ |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> |
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In December 1995, Swinney received his [[M.B.A]] from Alabama and became a full-time assistant coach for the Crimson Tide, in charge of wide receivers and tight ends.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kevinturnerfoundation.org/template/advisory-board |title=Advisory Board |publisher=Kevin Turner Foundation |date= |accessdate=2014-07-15}}</ref> He was fired with all of head coach [[Mike DuBose]]'s staff in early 2001.<ref name=TBN082708>Jon Solomon, [http://www.al.com/sports/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/sports/121982524442980.xml&coll=2 Former Alabama player, assistant Dabo Swinney will face beloved Tide on Saturday], ''The Birmingham News'', August 27, 2008, Accessed October 13, 2008.</ref> |
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In December 1995, Swinney received his [[MBA]] from Alabama and became a full-time assistant coach for the Crimson Tide in charge of wide receivers and tight ends.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heyen |first=Billy |date=January 1, 2021 |title=Dabo Swinney's deep Alabama connections, explained |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/dabo-swinney-alabama-connections/v7jnvhzu0ufj14ia9pq5vjk70 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313172653/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/dabo-swinney-alabama-connections/v7jnvhzu0ufj14ia9pq5vjk70 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=Sporting News |language=en}}</ref> He retained these posts under Stallings' successor, [[Mike DuBose]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Douglas |first=Quinn |date=January 7, 2019 |title=Clemson Football: What would a win do for Dabo Swinney's legacy? |url=https://saturdayblitz.com/2019/01/07/clemson-football-what-would-a-win-do-for-dabo-swinneys-legacy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313172739/https://saturdayblitz.com/2019/01/07/clemson-football-what-would-a-win-do-for-dabo-swinneys-legacy/ |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=Saturday Blitz |language=en-US}}</ref> He was fired with all of DuBose's staff in early 2001.<ref name="TBN082708">{{Cite web |last=Solomon |first=Jon |date=August 27, 2008 |title=Former Alabama player, assistant Dabo Swinney will face beloved Tide on Saturday - al.com |url=http://www.al.com/sports/birminghamnews/index.ssf?%252Fbase%252Fsports%252F121982524442980.xml&coll=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921162457/http://www.al.com/sports/birminghamnews/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fsports%2F121982524442980.xml&coll=2 |archive-date=September 21, 2008 |website=AL.com}}</ref> |
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Swinney sat out the 2001 season while receiving his contractual payments from Alabama. His former strength coach at Alabama, [[Rich Wingo]], had become president of [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]]-based AIG Baker Real Estate and offered him a job. From April 2001 through February 2003, he did not coach and instead worked for AIG Baker Real Estate on development projects in Alabama.<ref name="TBN082708"/> |
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Swinney sat out the 2001 season while receiving his contractual payments from Alabama. His former strength coach at Alabama, [[Rich Wingo]], had become president of [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]]-based AIG Baker Real Estate and offered him a job. From April 2001 through February 2003, he did not coach and instead worked for AIG Baker Real Estate as a commercial real estate salesman.<ref name="TBN082708" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Babb |first=Kent |date=November 5, 2015 |title=Dabo Swinney was the best shopping center leasing agent in Alabama |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/dabo-swinney-was-the-best-shopping-center-leasing-agent-in-alabama/2015/11/05/e0748db4-83d0-11e5-8ba6-cec48b74b2a7_story.html?utm_term=.18351f739c2f |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709061912/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/dabo-swinney-was-the-best-shopping-center-leasing-agent-in-alabama/2015/11/05/e0748db4-83d0-11e5-8ba6-cec48b74b2a7_story.html?utm_term=.bf41a3ad83a4 |archive-date=July 9, 2019 |website=The Washington Post}}</ref> |
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===Clemson=== |
===Clemson=== |
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In 2002, [[Tommy Bowden]]—Swinney's former position coach at Alabama— offered him the position of wide receivers coach at [[Clemson University|Clemson]], and Swinney joined in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nakos |first=Pete |date=August 10, 2021 |title=Dabo Swinney shares touching final moment with Bobby Bowden |url=https://www.on3.com/college/florida-state-seminoles/news/dabo-swinney-bobby-bowden-clemson-tigers-florida-state-seminoles-football-field-goal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313173030/https://www.on3.com/college/florida-state-seminoles/news/dabo-swinney-bobby-bowden-clemson-tigers-florida-state-seminoles-football-field-goal/ |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=On3 |language=en}}</ref> He also took over as [[Recruiting (college athletics)|recruiting coordinator]] from popular longtime coordinator [[Rick Stockstill]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Christopher |date=August 27, 2008 |title=The Clemson connection |url=https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/sports/2008/08/28/the-clemson-connection/27762349007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329020521/https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/sports/2008/08/28/the-clemson-connection/27762349007/ |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=The Tuscaloosa News |language=en-US}}</ref> Swinney proved to be both an excellent wide receivers coach as well as recruiting coordinator, coaching [[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]]-leading receivers and being named one of the nation's top 25 recruiters in 2007 by [[Rivals.com]].<ref name="TBN082708" /> |
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====2008 season==== |
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In 2002, his former position coach at Alabama, [[Tommy Bowden]], made Swinney an offer to become an assistant coach for the wide receivers at [[Clemson University|Clemson]], and Swinney joined in 2003. He took over as [[Recruiting (college athletics)|Recruiting Coordinator]] from popular longtime coordinator [[Rick Stockstill]]. Swinney proved to be both an excellent wide receivers coach as well as recruiting coordinator, coaching [[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]]-leading receivers and being named one of the nation's top 25 recruiters in 2007 by [[Rivals.com]].<ref name="TBN082708"/> |
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{{See also|2008 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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Swinney was named the interim head football coach on October 13, 2008, after head coach [[Tommy Bowden]] resigned six games into the [[2008 Clemson Tigers football team|season]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=October 13, 2008 |title=Clemson's Bowden steps down |url=https://www.si.com/college/2008/10/13/clemson-bowdenresigns |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019191959/https://www.si.com/college/2008/10/13/clemson-bowdenresigns |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> The Tigers had started the year ranked #9 in the preseason polls, but then went 3–3 (1–2 ACC) in their first six games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlabach |first=Mark |date=October 13, 2008 |title=Bowden out at Clemson after disappointing start |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3641028 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019191959/https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3641028 |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref> At the time he was informed of his promotion, he was working with the wide receivers on their upcoming game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinich |first=Heather |date=October 15, 2008 |title=Swinney ready to move forward at 'full speed' |url=http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-2-420/Swinney-ready-to-move-forward-at--full-speed-.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015080838/http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-2-420/Swinney-ready-to-move-forward-at--full-speed-.html |archive-date=October 15, 2008 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> |
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With a reputation as a top-notch recruiter, Swinney was chosen over Clemson [[defensive coordinator]] [[Vic Koenning]] (former head coach of [[Wyoming Cowboys football|Wyoming]]), and associate head coach [[Brad Scott (American football)|Brad Scott]] (former head coach of [[South Carolina Gamecocks football|South Carolina]]).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinich |first=Heather |date=October 15, 2008 |title=Clemson turns to Swinney for remainder of season |url=http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-2-414/Clemson-turns-to-Swinney-for-remainder-of-season.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015013505/http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-2-414/Clemson-turns-to-Swinney-for-remainder-of-season.html |archive-date=October 15, 2008 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> Swinney's first actions as interim head coach were to fire offensive coordinator Rob Spence and introduce a new tradition, the "Tiger Walk", where all players and coaches walk through the parking lot outside [[Memorial Stadium, Clemson|Memorial Stadium]] about two hours before a game as they head inside for final game preparations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iacobelli |first=Pete |date=October 18, 2008 |title=Clemson, Swinney enjoy 'Tiger Walk' |url=https://www.thestate.com/sports/college/acc/clemson-university/article14334482.html |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=The State |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> On October 18, in his first game as interim head coach, the team lost to [[2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team|Georgia Tech]] 21–17.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 18, 2008 |title=Clemson, new coach Swinney suffer emotional loss to Ga. Tech |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/282920228 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323203927/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/282920228 |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> On November 1, 2008, Swinney claimed his first victory as the Tigers' head coach by defeating [[2008 Boston College Eagles football team|Boston College]], breaking Clemson's six-game losing streak against the Eagles. On November 29, 2008, Swinney coached Clemson to a 31–14 win over [[2008 South Carolina Gamecocks football team|South Carolina]] in the [[Carolina–Clemson rivalry|annual rivalry game]], after which Clemson became bowl eligible. After a vote of confidence from athletic director [[Terry Don Phillips]], Swinney was formally named as Clemson's 27th head coach on December 1, 2008. In his first game as the full-time head coach, he lost the [[2009 Gator Bowl]] to the [[2008 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team|Nebraska Cornhuskers]] 26–21.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 22, 2009 |title=With Pelini Back, Cornhuskers Hope They're Back, Too |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/23/sports/ncaafootball/23nebraska.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313173505/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/23/sports/ncaafootball/23nebraska.html |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> |
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==Head football coach== |
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[[File:Dabo Swinney 2008 01.jpg|thumb|Swinney leading Clemson onto the field prior to a 2008 game.]] |
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Swinney's recruiting reputation became evident when he produced five top-20 ESPN recruiting classes in a row, including top 10 classes in 2011 and 2012.<ref name="Recrui">{{Cite web |last=Adelson |first=Andrea |date=February 14, 2013 |title=Clemson now a Top 15 recruiting mainstay |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/52357/clemson-now-a-top-15-recruiting-mainstay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030093353/http://www.espn.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/52357/clemson-now-a-top-15-recruiting-mainstay |archive-date=October 30, 2017 |access-date=July 15, 2014 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> As a result, Clemson was one of only 10 schools to be ranked in the top 20 of recruiting five years in a row (along with LSU, Alabama, Texas, USC, Florida, Georgia, Florida State, Ohio State, and Oklahoma), and as of 2014 Swinney was one of only four active head coaches at the time to accomplish the feat (along with [[Nick Saban]], [[Les Miles]], and [[Bob Stoops]]).<ref name="Recrui" /> |
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Despite his recruiting reputation, Swinney was an unpopular hire among some Clemson fans. Some fans and pundits noted that he had never been more than a position coach. Others were skeptical that Clemson had opted to retain one of Bowden's assistants.<ref name="postandcourier.com">{{Cite web |last=Brenner |first=Aaron |date=January 6, 2017 |title=Swinney survived rocky start as head coach to build football powerhouse at Clemson | Sports |url=http://www.postandcourier.com/sports/swinney-survived-rocky-start-as-head-coach-to-build-football/article_e64e0bda-d43c-11e6-8000-dfd1deec0887.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108110755/http://www.postandcourier.com/sports/swinney-survived-rocky-start-as-head-coach-to-build-football/article_e64e0bda-d43c-11e6-8000-dfd1deec0887.html |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |website=Post and Courier}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Forde |first=Pat |date=December 18, 2008 |title=Forde: What were they thinking with these hires? |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&sportCat=ncf&id=3777520 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313173635/https://www.espn.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&sportCat=ncf&id=3777520 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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=== 2008 === |
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Swinney was named the interim head football coach on October 13, 2008, after previous head coach [[Tommy Bowden]] resigned six games into the [[2008 Clemson Tigers football team|2008 season]].<ref name=AP101308>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/ncaa/10/13/clemson.bowden.resigns/index.html Clemson's Bowden steps down], Associated Press, October 13, 2008, Accessed October 14, 2008. .</ref> The Tigers had started the year ranked #9 in the preseason polls, but then went 3–3 (1–2 ACC) in their first six games.<ref name=ESPN101308a>Mark Schlabach, [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3641028 Bowden ousted at Clemson; coach 'deserved' to be fired, QB says], ESPN.com, October 13, 2008, Accessed October 13, 2008.</ref> Swinney was surprised by his promotion since he had been a real estate developer just a few years before. At the time he was informed of his promotion, he was working with the wide receivers on their upcoming game.<ref name=ESPN101408a>Heather Dinich, [http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-2-420/Swinney-ready-to-move-forward-at--full-speed-.html Swinney ready to move forward at 'full speed'], ESPN.com, October 14, 2008, Accessed October 14, 2008.</ref> |
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====2009 season==== |
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With a reputation as a top-notch recruiter, Swinney was chosen over Clemson [[defensive coordinator]] [[Vic Koenning]] (former head coach of [[Wyoming Cowboys football|Wyoming]]), and associate head coach [[Brad Scott (American football)|Brad Scott]] (former head coach of [[South Carolina Gamecocks football|South Carolina]]).<ref name=ESPN101308b>Heather Dinich, [http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-2-414/Clemson-turns-to-Swinney-for-remainder-of-season.html Clemson turns to Swinney for remainder of season], ESPN.com, October 13, 2008, Accessed October 13, 2008.</ref> Swinney's first actions as interim head coach were to fire offensive coordinator [[Rob Spence (American football)|Rob Spence]] and introduce a new tradition, the "Tiger Walk", where all players and coaches walk through the parking lot outside [[Memorial Stadium, Clemson|Memorial Stadium]] about two hours before a game as they head inside for final game preparations.<ref name=SI101608>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/ncaa/10/16/swinney.tigerwalk.ap/index.html Interim Clemson boss Swinney introduces 'Tiger Walk'], Associated Press, October 16, 2008, Accessed October 17, 2008.</ref> On November 1, 2008, Swinney claimed his first victory as the Tigers' head coach by defeating Boston College, breaking Clemson's six-game losing streak against the Eagles. On November 29, 2008, Swinney coached Clemson to a 31–14 win over South Carolina in the [[Carolina–Clemson rivalry|annual rivalry game]], after which Clemson became bowl eligible. After a vote of confidence from athletic director [[Terry Don Phillips]], Swinney was formally named as Clemson's 27th head coach on December 1, 2008. |
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{{See also|2009 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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During the 2009 season, which was Swinney's first full season at the helm, Clemson achieved several accomplishments. The 2009 team finished the season with a record of 9–5 (6–2 in ACC) to win the Atlantic Division title of the Atlantic Coast Conference.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Clemson Tigers Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2009.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313175945/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2009.html |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Atlantic Coast Conference Year Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/acc/2009.html |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The 2009 season included three marquee wins: a win over #8 [[2009 Miami Hurricanes football team|Miami (FL)]] in overtime on the road, a 16-point win over [[2009 Florida State Seminoles football team|Florida State]] at home, and a win over [[2009 Kentucky Wildcats football team|Kentucky]] 21–13 in the [[2009 Music City Bowl]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at Miami (FL) Box Score, October 24, 2009 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-10-24-miami-fl.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102013549/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-10-24-miami-fl.html |archive-date=January 2, 2018 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Florida State at Clemson Box Score, November 7, 2009 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-11-07-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323204506/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-11-07-clemson.html |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Music City Bowl – Kentucky vs Clemson Box Score, December 27, 2009 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-12-27-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323204451/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-12-27-clemson.html |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Swinney coached the Clemson Tigers to a #24 AP Top 25 final season ranking for the 2009 football season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2009-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323204505/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2009-schedule.html |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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====2010 season==== |
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Swinney's recruiting reputation became evident when he produced five top-20 ESPN recruiting classes in a row, including top 10 classes in 2011 and 2012.<ref name="espn.go.com">{{cite web|last=Adelson |first=Andrea |url=http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/52357/clemson-now-a-top-15-recruiting-mainstay |title=Clemson now a Top 15 recruiting mainstay |publisher=ESPN |date=2013-02-14 |accessdate=2014-07-15}}</ref> As a result, Clemson is one of only 10 schools to be ranked in the top 20 of recruiting five years in a row (along with LSU, Alabama, Texas, USC, Florida, Georgia, Florida State, Ohio State and Oklahoma), and Swinney is one of only five active head coaches to ever accomplish the feat, putting him on par with prestigious names such as [[Nick Saban]], [[Les Miles]], [[Bob Stoops]], and [[Mark Richt]].<ref name="espn.go.com"/> |
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{{See also|2010 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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In 2010, Swinney led Clemson to a 6–6 (4–4 in ACC) regular season.<ref name="10stats">{{Cite web |title=2010 Clemson Tigers Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2010.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628021931/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2010.html |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Of the six losses in the 2010 season, five were by less than 10 points and four were by six points or less.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2010-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628021931/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2010-schedule.html |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The season included close losses to [[Cam Newton]] and the eventual national champion [[2010 Auburn Tigers football team|Auburn Tigers]] (27–24 on the road in OT), and the eventual division champion [[2010 Florida State Seminoles football team|Florida State Seminoles]] (16–13 on a 55-yard, time-expiring field goal on the road).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at Auburn Box Score, September 18, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-18-auburn.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323204704/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-18-auburn.html |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at Florida State Box Score, November 13, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-13-florida-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225044831/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-13-florida-state.html |archive-date=February 25, 2019 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> After the conclusion of the regular season, many fans called for the firing of both Swinney and athletic director Terry Don Phillips.<ref name="postandcourier.com" /> Swinney would say years later he expected to be fired after the regular season ended with a loss to [[2010 South Carolina Gamecocks football team|South Carolina]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boynton |first=Eric |date=January 4, 2017 |title=After losing season in 2010, Swinney thought run was over |url=http://www.goupstate.com/news/20170104/after-losing-season-in-2010-swinney-thought-run-was-over |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317143714/http://www.goupstate.com/news/20170104/after-losing-season-in-2010-swinney-thought-run-was-over |archive-date=March 17, 2017 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |website=GoUpstate}}</ref> Phillips instead gave Swinney another vote of confidence and allowed him to return for the 2011 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Connolly |first=Matt |date=January 4, 2017 |title=After 2010 loss to USC, Swinney received vote of confidence |url=http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/acc/clemson-university/article124627299.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317233441/http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/acc/clemson-university/article124627299.html |archive-date=March 17, 2017 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |website=The State}}</ref> Discontent with Swinney grew even more after a [[2010 Meineke Car Care Bowl|bowl loss]] to [[2010 South Florida Bulls football team|South Florida]] made Clemson's final record 6–7, Clemson's first losing season since 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meineke Car Care Bowl – South Florida vs Clemson Box Score, December 31, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-12-31-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225103019/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-12-31-clemson.html |archive-date=February 25, 2019 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferguson |first=Adam |date=October 27, 2011 |title=Clemson Football Coach Dabo Swinney: From Hot Seat to Hot Coach |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/913050-clemson-football-coach-dabo-swinney-from-hot-seat-to-hot-coach |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323204853/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/913050-clemson-football-coach-dabo-swinney-from-hot-seat-to-hot-coach |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> Swinney, who was 19–15, entered the 2011 season widely considered to be a coach on the hot seat.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2011 |title=Five Prominent College Football Coaches On the Hot Seat For 2011 |url=http://thebiglead.com/2011/01/19/five-prominent-college-football-coaches-on-the-hot-seat-for-2011/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317144603/http://thebiglead.com/2011/01/19/five-prominent-college-football-coaches-on-the-hot-seat-for-2011/ |archive-date=March 17, 2017 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |publisher=The Big Lead}}</ref> Despite a disappointing 6–7 record, the 2010 team featured one of the nation's top defenses and the Bronko Nagurski and Ted Hendricks award winner, [[Da'Quan Bowers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Da'Quan Bowers College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/daquan-bowers-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323204934/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/daquan-bowers-1.html |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="10stats" /> |
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====2011 season==== |
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{{See also|2011 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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During the 2009 season, Swinney's first full season at the helm, Clemson was able to achieve several accomplishments. The 2009 team finished the season with a record of 9–5 (6-2 in ACC) to win the Atlantic Division title of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The 2009 season included three marquee wins: a win over #8 Miami (FL) in overtime on the road, a 16-point win over Florida State at home, and a win over [[Kentucky Wildcats football|Kentucky]] 21–13 in the 2009 Music City Bowl. Swinney coached the Clemson Tigers to a #24 AP Top 25 final season ranking for the 2009 football season.<ref>http://espn.go.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2009</ref> |
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In 2011, Swinney led the Tigers to a 10–3 record that included an [[2011 ACC Championship Game|ACC Championship]], the Tigers' first since 1991.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlantic Coast Conference Index |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/acc/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317002104/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/acc/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Clemson Tigers Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2011.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031163732/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2011.html |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They earned a trip to the [[Orange Bowl]], their first major-bowl appearance since the 1981 national championship season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson Tigers Bowls |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310015513/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/ |archive-date=March 10, 2018 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> During a pre-game ESPN interview prior to the [[2012 Orange Bowl]], Swinney said, "Hopefully when this thing is over, people are going to be talking about the Clemson defense."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Merriman |first=Sean |date=December 28, 2012 |title=Chick-fil-A Bowl 2012: Les Miles and Dabo Swinney's 5 Best Presser Moments |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1459146-chick-fil-a-bowl-2012-les-miles-and-dabo-swinneys-5-best-presser-moments/page/3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811190637/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1459146-chick-fil-a-bowl-2012-les-miles-and-dabo-swinneys-5-best-presser-moments/page/3 |archive-date=August 11, 2016 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |website=[[Bleacher Report]]}}</ref> The comment proved to be prescient as #15 Clemson went on to lose to the #23 [[2011 West Virginia Mountaineers football team|West Virginia Mountaineers]], 70–33, conceding an all-time record number of points scored in a quarter (35), half (49) and game (70) in the 109-year history of bowl games.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2012 |title=West Virginia routs Clemson in record-setting Orange Bowl |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=320040228 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308232523/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=320040228 |archive-date=March 8, 2018 |access-date=January 21, 2012 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele was fired after the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinich |first=Heather |date=January 12, 2012 |title=Kevin Steele out at Clemson |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7455008/kevin-steele-clemson-tigers-defensive-coordinator |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306133744/http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7455008/kevin-steele-clemson-tigers-defensive-coordinator |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |access-date=January 21, 2012 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> |
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A notable addition to the Clemson coaching staff in 2011 was offensive coordinator [[Chad Morris]], who had previously only coached at the high school level. Morris brought in a fast-paced, up-tempo spread offense that shattered many Clemson offensive records and influenced other coordinators around the country and in the [[Philly Special|NFL]].<ref>{{Cite web |year=2014 |title=Chad Morris Biography |url=http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205529425 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129082435/http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205529425 |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |access-date=July 15, 2014 |website=Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site}}</ref> |
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=== 2010 === |
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In 2010, Swinney led Clemson to a 6–7 (4-4 in ACC) season. Of the 7 losses in the 2010 season, 6 were by less than 10 points and 5 were by 6 points or less. The season included close losses to Cam Newton and the eventual national champion Auburn Tigers (27-24 on the road in OT), and the eventual division champion Florida State Seminoles (16-13 on a 55-yard, time-expiring field goal on the road). Despite a disappointing 6-7 record, the 2010 team featured one of the nation's top defenses and the Bronko Nagurski and Ted Hendricks award winner, Da'Quan Bowers. |
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Swinney was the 2011 winner of the [[Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award]], which was established to honor the NCAA Division 1 football coach whose team excels on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 31, 2011 |title=Dabo Swinney Wins Bobby Dodd National Coach of the Year Award |url=https://clemsontigers.com/dabo-swinney-wins-bobby-dodd-national-coach-of-the-year-award-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321205014/https://clemsontigers.com/dabo-swinney-wins-bobby-dodd-national-coach-of-the-year-award-2/ |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site |language=en-US}}</ref> The award is named for [[Bobby Dodd]], longtime head football coach of the [[Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football|Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets]]. The award was established in 1976 to honor the values that Dodd exemplified.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation – Past Winners |url=http://www.bobbydoddfoundation.com/pastwinners2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201121406/http://www.bobbydoddfoundation.com/pastwinners2.html |archive-date=December 1, 2008 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |website=Bobby Dodd Foundation}}</ref> |
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=== 2011 === |
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In 2011, Swinney led the Tigers to an 10–3 record that included an [[2011 ACC Championship Game|ACC Championship]], the Tigers' first since 1991. They earned a trip to the [[Orange Bowl]], their first major-bowl appearance since the 1981 national championship season. During a pre-game ESPN interview prior to the [[2012 Orange Bowl]], Swinney said, "Hopefully when this thing is over, people are going to be talking about the Clemson defense."<ref>[http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1459146-chick-fil-a-bowl-2012-les-miles-and-dabo-swinneys-5-best-presser-moments/page/3 Chick-fil-A Bowl 2012: Les Miles and Dabo Swinney's 5 Best Presser Moments]</ref> The comment proved to be prescient as #15 Clemson would go on to lose to the #23 West Virginia Mountaineers, 70–33, conceding an all-time record number of points scored in a quarter (35), half (49) and game (70) in the 109-year history of bowl games.<ref>{{cite news |title=West Virginia routs Clemson in record-setting Orange Bowl |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=320040228 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=2012-01-04 |accessdate=2012-01-21}}</ref> Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele was fired after the game.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kevin Steele out at Clemson |url=http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7455008/kevin-steele-clemson-tigers-defensive-coordinator |date=2012-01-12 |first=Heather |last=Dinich |publisher=[[ESPN]] |accessdate=2012-01-21}}</ref> |
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====2012 season==== |
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Part of Swinney's success the past three years was the 2011 offensive coordinator hire of Chad Morris, who was originally seen as a risk as most of his coaching experience had been on the high school level. Morris brought in a fast-paced, up-tempo offense that shattered many Clemson offensive records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205529425 |title=Chad Morris Biography |publisher=Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site |year=2014 |accessdate=2014-07-15}}</ref> Since then, Clemson's offense has averaged over 40 points a game and over 500 yards of total offense a game.<ref>{{cite web|first=Greg |last=Wallace |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1898693-clemson-football-how-has-chad-morris-offense-evolved-in-the-last-3-years |title=Clemson Football: How Has Chad Morris' Offense Evolved in the Last 3 Years? |publisher=Bleacher Report |date=2013-12-23 |accessdate=2014-07-15}}</ref> |
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{{See also|2012 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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Swinney and Clemson started off the 2012 season with a 3–0 start. The Tigers suffered their first setback against #4 [[2012 Florida State Seminoles football team|Florida State]] 49–37 in the season's fourth game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at Florida State Box Score, September 22, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-09-22-florida-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026104422/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-09-22-florida-state.html |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The team reeled off seven consecutive wins before falling to rival #13 [[2012 South Carolina Gamecocks football team|South Carolina]] 27–17.<ref>{{Cite web |title=South Carolina at Clemson Box Score, November 24, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-24-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012180447/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-24-clemson.html |archive-date=October 12, 2020 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2012, Swinney led Clemson to its first 11-win season since the 1981 national championship year, capping the year off with an upset 25–24 victory over the #8 [[2012 LSU Tigers football team|LSU Tigers]] in the [[2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl|Chick-fil-A Bowl]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 31, 2012 |title=Clemson edges LSU on last-second field goal |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=323660228 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915040846/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=323660228 |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |access-date=July 15, 2014 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> The Tigers finished the year at 11–2 and ranked 11th in the AP Poll.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Clemson Tigers Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2012.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313180556/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2012.html |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2012-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026104403/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2012-schedule.html |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Swinney was a finalist for the third time in his career for the Liberty Mutual National Coach of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2014 |title=Dabo Swinney Biography |url=http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205529394 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109010345/http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205529394 |archive-date=January 9, 2014 |access-date=July 15, 2014 |publisher=Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site}}</ref> |
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====2013 season==== |
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Swinney was the 2011 winner of the [[Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award]], which was established to honor the NCAA Division 1 football coach whose team excels on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. The award is named for [[Bobby Dodd]], longtime head football coach of the [[Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football|Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets]]. The award was established in 1976 to honor the values that Dodd exemplified.<ref>{{cite news |title= Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation - Past Winners|url=http://www.bobbydoddfoundation.com/pastwinners2.html|publisher=Bobby Dodd Foundation |accessdate=2012-12-17}}</ref> |
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{{See also|2013 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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In 2013, Swinney guided the Tigers to their third 10-win season in a row, their first since 1989.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 26, 2013 |title=2013 Clemson Football Media Guide & Supplement |url=http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=657769&SPID=103701&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=208830262&DB_OEM_ID=28500 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806030609/http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=208830262&SPSID=657769&SPID=103701&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500 |archive-date=August 6, 2014 |access-date=July 15, 2014 |publisher=Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site}}</ref> The highlight regular-season win came against #5 [[2013 Georgia Bulldogs football team|Georgia]] in the season opener. The Tigers won 38–35.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Georgia at Clemson Box Score, August 31, 2013 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-08-31-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103072915/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-08-31-clemson.html |archive-date=January 3, 2018 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Clemson's two regular season losses were to top 10 opponents, national champion [[2013 Florida State Seminoles football team|Florida State]] and [[2013 South Carolina Gamecocks football team|South Carolina]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Florida State at Clemson Box Score, October 19, 2013 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-10-19-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009052655/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-10-19-clemson.html |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at South Carolina Box Score, November 30, 2013 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-11-30-south-carolina.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009070412/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-11-30-south-carolina.html |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The 31–17 loss to the rival Gamecocks was a record fifth straight for the Tigers, the longest winning streak for South Carolina in the series, while the 51–14 loss to Florida State was the worst home loss in the history of the Clemson football program and tied with the [[2012 Orange Bowl]] for Clemson's most lopsided loss under Dabo Swinney.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keepfer |first=Scott |date=November 30, 2013 |title=South Carolina makes it five in a row against Clemson |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2013/11/30/south-carolina-defeats-clemson-31-17/3793259/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907034320/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2013/11/30/south-carolina-defeats-clemson-31-17/3793259/ |archive-date=September 7, 2017 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |website=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> The completion of the season marked 32 wins over three years for Swinney, the most ever in such a span in Clemson football history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lassan |first=Steven |date=December 9, 2013 |title=Ranking All 35 College Football Bowls for 2013: From Must-See to Must-Miss |url=http://athlonsports.com/college-football/ranking-all-35-college-football-bowls-2013-must-see-must-miss |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708163756/http://athlonsports.com/college-football/ranking-all-35-college-football-bowls-2013-must-see-must-miss |archive-date=July 8, 2014 |access-date=July 15, 2014 |website=AthlonSports.com}}</ref> The Tigers received their second BCS bowl bid under Swinney with an invitation to play seventh-ranked [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State]] in the [[2014 Orange Bowl (January)|2014 Orange Bowl]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brenner |first=Aaron |date=December 8, 2013 |title=SOLID ORANGE: No. 12 Clemson or No. 7 Ohio State will redeem themselves in Orange Bowl clash |url=http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20131208/PC20/131209447/1032/clemson-ohio-state-to-lick-their-wounds-in-orange-bowl-showdown-per-espn-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212193210/http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20131208/PC20/131209447/1032/clemson-ohio-state-to-lick-their-wounds-in-orange-bowl-showdown-per-espn-report |archive-date=December 12, 2013 |access-date=July 15, 2014 |website=Post and Courier}}</ref> The Tigers defeated the Buckeyes 40–35 to give the Tigers' their third Orange Bowl win in their history and their first BCS bowl victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Orange Bowl |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/bowls/orange-bowl.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317002338/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/bowls/orange-bowl.html |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bowl Championship Series (BCS) All-Time Results |url=https://collegefootballplayoff.com/sports/2021/9/7/bcs-history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326115734/https://collegefootballplayoff.com/sports/2021/9/7/bcs-history |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=College Football Playoff |language=en}}</ref> The 2013 season marked the first time Clemson had back-to-back 11-win seasons. After the game, Swinney recalled the Tigers' lopsided loss two years before in the Orange Bowl and the team's journey since then. "Hey, listen: Two years ago we got our butts kicked on this field. And it has been a journey to get back. We're 22–4 since that night. And we are the first team from the state of South Carolina to ever win a BCS game," Swinney said.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 3, 2014 |title=Tajh Boyd, Sammy Watkins connect as Clemson rallies past Ohio State |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=340030194 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915001905/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=340030194 |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |access-date=July 15, 2014 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> The win was Swinney's fourth victory over a top ten opponent as a head coach. The Tigers finished the season ranked in the top 10 in both polls (#8 in AP, #7 in Coaches), the first such achievement for Swinney as head coach. |
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Following the season, Swinney agreed to eight-year, $27.15 million contract and guaranteed if Swinney was fired in the next three years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rickman |first=Martin |date=January 18, 2014 |title=Clemson, coach Dabo Swinney agree on eight-year, $27.15 million contract |url=https://www.si.com/campus-union/2014/01/18/dabo-swinney-clemson-contract |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202214303/http://college-football.si.com/2014/01/18/dabo-swinney-clemson-contract/?sct=obnetwork |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=SI.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Adelson |first=Andrea |date=January 18, 2014 |title=Clemson's Swinney agrees to 8-year deal |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10314032/dabo-swinney-clemson-tigers-gets-8-year-deal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019191958/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10314032/dabo-swinney-clemson-tigers-gets-8-year-deal |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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=== 2012 === |
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In 2012, Swinney led Clemson to its first 11-win season since the 1981 national championship year, capping the year off with an upset victory over the #8 [[LSU Tigers]] in the [[2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl|Chick-fil-A Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=323660228 |title=LSU Tigers vs. Clemson Tigers - Recap - December 31, 2012 |publisher=ESPN |date=2012-12-31 |accessdate=2014-07-15}}</ref> The Tigers finished the year at 11-2, ranked 9th in the Coaches Poll and 11th in the AP poll. Swinney was a finalist for the third time in his career for the Liberty Mutual National Coach of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205529394 |title=Dabo Swinney Biography |publisher=Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site |date=2014-01-14 |accessdate=2014-07-15}}</ref> |
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====2014 season==== |
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{{See also|2014 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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In 2013, Swinney guided the Tigers to their third 10-win season in a row, the first time since 1989.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=657769&SPID=103701&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=208830262&DB_OEM_ID=28500 |title=2013 Clemson Football Media Guide & Supplement |publisher=Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site |date=2013-07-26 |accessdate=2014-07-15}}</ref> The highlight regular-season win came against #5 [[Georgia Bulldogs football|Georgia]] in the season opener. The Tigers won 38-35. Clemson's two regular season losses were to top 10 opponents, national champion [[Florida State Seminoles football|Florida State]] and [[South Carolina Gamecocks football|South Carolina]]. The 31-17 loss to the rival Gamecocks was a record fifth straight for the Tigers, the longest winning streak for South Carolina in the series.<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2013/11/30/south-carolina-defeats-clemson-31-17/3793259/ South Carolina makes it five in a row against Clemson]</ref> The completion of the season marked 32 wins over three years for Swinney, the most ever in such a span in Clemson football history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://athlonsports.com/college-football/ranking-all-35-college-football-bowls-2013-must-see-must-miss |first=Steven |last=Lassan |title=Ranking All 35 College Football Bowls for 2013: From Must-See to Must-Miss |publisher=AthlonSports.com |date=2013-12-09 |accessdate=2014-07-15}}</ref> The Tigers received their second BCS bowl bid under Swinney with an invitation to play seventh-ranked [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State]] in the [[2014 Orange Bowl (January)|2014 Orange Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20131208/PC20/131209447/1032/clemson-ohio-state-to-lick-their-wounds-in-orange-bowl-showdown-per-espn-report |first=Aaron |last=Brenner |title=SOLID ORANGE: No. 12 Clemson or No. 7 Ohio State will redeem themselves in Orange Bowl clash |publisher=Post and Courier |date=2013-12-08 |accessdate=2014-07-15}}</ref> The Tigers defeated the Buckeyes 40-35 to give the Tigers' their third Orange Bowl win in their history and their first BCS bowl victory. The 2013 season marked the first time Clemson had back-to-back 11-win seasons. After the game, Swinney recalled the Tigers' lopsided loss two years before in the Orange Bowl and the team's journey since then. "Hey, listen: Two years ago we got our butts kicked on this field. And it has been a journey to get back. We're 22-4 since that night. And we are the first team from the state of South Carolina to ever win a BCS game," Swinney said.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=340030194 |title=Clemson Tigers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes - Recap - January 03, 2014 |publisher=ESPN |date=2014-01-03 |accessdate=2014-07-15}}</ref> The win was Swinney's fourth victory over a top ten opponent as a head coach. The Tigers finished the season ranked in the top 10 in both polls (#8 in AP, #7 in Coaches), the first such achievement for Swinney as head coach. |
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Under Swinney, Clemson had their fourth 10-win season in a row, making them one of only four schools to achieve the feat in the last four seasons.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} The Tigers started the season ranked #16 but suffered early setbacks with losses to #13 [[2014 Georgia Bulldogs football team|Georgia]] and #1 [[2014 Florida State Seminoles football team|Florida State]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at Georgia Box Score, August 30, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-08-30-georgia.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414075709/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-08-30-georgia.html |archive-date=April 14, 2020 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at Florida State Box Score, September 20, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-09-20-florida-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026104547/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-09-20-florida-state.html |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> However, with the emergence of freshman quarterback [[Deshaun Watson]], the Tigers only lost one more game to ACC Coastal Division Champion [[2014 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team|Georgia Tech]], which Watson started but did not finish due to injury.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at Georgia Tech Box Score, November 15, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-11-15-georgia-tech.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027025158/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-11-15-georgia-tech.html |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The regular season was highlighted with the finale against [[2014 South Carolina Gamecocks football team|South Carolina]] in which Clemson broke a five-game losing streak to the Gamecocks to win 35–17 in Death Valley.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2014 |title=Wayne Gallman rushes for 191 as Tigers end 5-game slide vs. rival |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?id=400547750 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019192002/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?id=400547750 |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Clemson received an invitation to play [[2014 Oklahoma Sooners football team|Oklahoma]] in the [[2014 Russell Athletic Bowl|Russell Athletic Bowl]] on December 29, 2014. Led by Clemson's #1 ranked defense in the nation,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keepfer |first=Scott |date=November 23, 2014 |title=Clemson will enter South Carolina game with nation's top-ranked defense |url=http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2014/11/23/clemson-football-team-will-enter-south-carolina-game-nations-top-ranked-defense/19459917/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329020535/https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2014/11/23/clemson-football-team-will-enter-south-carolina-game-nations-top-ranked-defense/19459917/ |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=Greeneville Online}}</ref> the Tigers routed the Sooners 40–6, holding Oklahoma to 275 total yards and forcing five turnovers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 29, 2014 |title=Clemson slams Oklahoma behind QB Cole Stoudt's 4 TDs |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400610208 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327182913/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400610208 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref> Ironically, defensive coordinator [[Brent Venables]] had held the same position with the Sooners until coming to Clemson in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kirk |first1=Jason |last2=Floyd |first2=Brian |last3=Keeley |first3=Sean |date=January 13, 2012 |title=OU's Brent Venables Hired As Clemson DC After Much Confusion |url=https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2012/1/13/2704867/clemson-defensive-coordinator-candidates-brent-venables |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205182232/https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2012/1/13/2704867/clemson-defensive-coordinator-candidates-brent-venables |archive-date=December 5, 2021 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=SBNation.com |language=en}}</ref> The Tigers finished 10–3 for the season and ranked 15th in both the AP and the Coaches Poll.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |title=2014 College Football Rankings for Final Rankings |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2014/seasontype/3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327173111/https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2014/seasontype/3 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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Swinney's last three bowl wins have been over college programs that have all won national titles since 2000.<ref name="tigernet.com">{{Cite web |date=December 29, 2014 |title=Clemson vs. Oklahoma Notes |url=http://www.tigernet.com/update/player/Clemson-Oklahoma-Notes-18363 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023337/http://www.tigernet.com/update/player/Clemson-Oklahoma-Notes-18363 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |website=TigerNet}}</ref> |
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Following the season, Swinney agreed to eight-year, $27.15 million contract and guaranteed if Swinney was fired in the next three years.<ref>[http://college-football.si.com/2014/01/18/dabo-swinney-clemson-contract/?sct=obnetwork "Clemson, coach Dabo Swinney agree on eight-year, $27.15 million contract."] SportsIllustrated.com. Retrieved 2014-Jan-18.</ref> |
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[[File:Coach Dabo Swinney.jpg|thumb|Swinney in 2015]] |
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=== |
====2015 season==== |
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{{See also|2015 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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Under Swinney, Clemson had their fourth 10-win season in a row, making them one of only four schools to achieve the feat in the last four seasons.<ref name="tigernet.com">http://www.tigernet.com/update/player/Clemson-Oklahoma-Notes-18363</ref> The Tigers started the season ranked #16 but suffered early setbacks with losses to #13 [[Georgia Bulldogs football|Georgia]] and #1 [[Florida State Seminoles football|Florida State]].<ref>http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/228/clemson-tigers</ref> However, with the emergence of freshman quarterback [[Deshaun Watson]], the Tigers only lost one more game to ACC Coastal Division Champion [[Georgia Tech football|Georgia Tech]]. The regular season was highlighted with the finale against [[South Carolina Gamecocks football|South Carolina]] in which Clemson broke a 5-game losing streak to the Gamecocks to win 35-17 in Death Valley.<ref>http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?id=400547750</ref> Clemson received an invitation to play [[Oklahoma Sooners football|Oklahoma]] in the Russell Athletic Bowl on Dec. 29, 2014. Led by Clemson's #1 ranked defense in the nation,<ref>http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2014/11/23/clemson-football-team-will-enter-south-carolina-game-nations-top-ranked-defense/19459917/</ref> the Tigers routed the Sooners 40-6, holding Oklahoma to 275 total yards and forcing five turnovers.<ref>http://espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?id=400610208</ref> The Tigers finished 10-3 for the season and ranked 15th in both the AP and the Coaches Poll.<ref>http://espn.go.com/college-football/rankings</ref> |
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Swinney completed his then best season as Clemson's head coach in 2015, leading the Tigers to a 14–1 record with an ACC Championship and an appearance in the national championship game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Clemson Tigers Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2015.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313180638/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2015.html |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Tigers defeated #8 [[2015 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|North Carolina]] [[2015 ACC Championship Game|45–37]] to win their 15th ACC Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Steve |date=December 6, 2015 |title=Clemson beats UNC 45–37 for ACC title |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/sports/college/2015/12/06/clemson-beats-unc-acc-title/76872270/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524143707/https://www.floridatoday.com/story/sports/college/2015/12/06/clemson-beats-unc-acc-title/76872270/ |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=Florida Today |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=North Carolina vs Clemson Box Score, December 5, 2015 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-12-05-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308180453/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-12-05-clemson.html |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Clemson defeated #4 [[2015 Oklahoma Sooners football team|Oklahoma]] 37–17 in the College Football Playoff Semifinals at the [[2015 Orange Bowl|Orange Bowl]] to face off in the National Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wine |first=Steven |date=December 31, 2015 |title=Oklahoma's season ends with semifinal loss to Clemson |url=http://collegefootball.ap.org/article/oklahomas-season-ends-semifinal-loss-clemson |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304201129/http://collegefootball.ap.org/article/oklahomas-season-ends-semifinal-loss-clemson |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |website=AP.org}}</ref> Clemson fell short to [[2015 Alabama Crimson Tide football team|Alabama]] in the title game 45–40 after Nick Saban, the head coach of Alabama, surprised Clemson with a successful onside kick.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan Jr. |first=Sam |date=January 12, 2016 |title=Alabama Crimson Tide outscore Clemson Tigers 45–40, win national title |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/124505/alabama-returns-to-top-of-college-football-world-with-45-40-national-championship-win-over-clemson |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217082810/http://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/124505/alabama-returns-to-top-of-college-football-world-with-45-40-national-championship-win-over-clemson |archive-date=February 17, 2017 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> The season marked Clemson's best run since the 1981 national championship season. Swinney was named ACC Coach of the Year, AFCA Coach of the Year, Associated Press Coach of Year, Walter Camp Coach of the Year, Home Depot Coach of the Year, and the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ACC Coach of the Year Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/acc-coy.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321204448/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/acc-coy.html |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=AFCA Coach of the Year Award Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/afca-coy.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127235505/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/afca-coy.html |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Home Depot Coach of the Year Award Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/home-depot-coy.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227201841/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/home-depot-coy.html |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2015 |title=Dabo Swinney named AP Coach of the Year |url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2015/12/21/clemson-tigers-dabo-swinney-ap-coach-year-award |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062935/http://www.si.com/college-football/2015/12/21/clemson-tigers-dabo-swinney-ap-coach-year-award |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |website=SI.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/bryant.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227201257/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/bryant.html |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/camp-coy.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127235505/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/camp-coy.html |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The 2015 Tigers set a record for single-season wins under Swinney with 14.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 29, 2016 |title=Record-Setting Year |url=https://clemsontigers.com/record-setting-year/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327182115/https://clemsontigers.com/record-setting-year/ |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site |language=en-US}}</ref> Clemson ended the season ranked #2 in both the Associated Press and Coaches Polls.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2015-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026104422/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2015-schedule.html |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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====2016 season==== |
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Swinney's last three bowl wins have been over college programs that have all won national titles since 2000.<ref name="tigernet.com"/> |
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{{See also|2016 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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On April 12, 2016, Swinney signed a six-year contract extension with the Tigers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bonesteel |first=Matt |date=April 12, 2016 |title=Clemson's Dabo Swinney gets sizable raise with contract extension |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/04/12/clemsons-dabo-swinney-gets-sizable-raise-with-contract-extension/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424211248/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/04/12/clemsons-dabo-swinney-gets-sizable-raise-with-contract-extension/ |archive-date=April 24, 2016 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> Swinney once again recorded a banner season as Clemson's coach, leading the Tigers to a 12–1 regular season record and another ACC Championship, the third in Swinney's career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Clemson Tigers Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2016.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313180704/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2016.html |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Moriarty |first=Morgan |date=December 3, 2016 |title=Clemson beats Virginia Tech to win the ACC and punch its ticket to the Playoff |url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2016/12/3/13830730/clemson-virginia-tech-acc-championship-game-2016-final-score-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103002234/http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2016/12/3/13830730/clemson-virginia-tech-acc-championship-game-2016-final-score-results |archive-date=January 3, 2017 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |website=SBNation.com}}</ref> Clemson posted big wins during the 2016 season over #3 [[2016 Louisville Cardinals football team|Louisville]] at home and #12 [[2016 Florida State Seminoles football team|Florida State]] on the road.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Louisville at Clemson Box Score, October 1, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-10-01-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327183236/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-10-01-clemson.html |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at Florida State Box Score, October 29, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-10-29-florida-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327192223/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-10-29-florida-state.html |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Their only loss of the year was to the [[2016 Pitt Panthers football team|Pitt Panthers]], losing on a last second field goal and snapping their 15-game home winning streak.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2016 |title=Pitt stuns No. 2 Clemson on Chris Blewitt's 48-yard field goal |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400869485 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327174820/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400869485 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Swinney punctuated the regular season with a 56–7 home victory over arch-rival [[2016 South Carolina Gamecocks football team|South Carolina]], the largest margin of victory over the Gamecocks in Swinney's career and the largest in over 100 years in the history of the storied rivalry.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 27, 2016 |title=Watson throws 6 TD passes, leads No. 4 Clemson to 56–7 win |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400869074 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327173343/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400869074 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Following Clemson's [[2016 ACC Championship Game|ACC Championship]] win over #19 [[2016 Virginia Tech Hokies football team|Virginia Tech]], the Tigers secured the #2 seed in the College Football Playoff.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Palm |first=Jerry |date=December 4, 2016 |title=College Football Playoff bracket, games set: Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Washington get in |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-playoff-bracket-set-alabama-clemson-ohio-state-washington-in/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327200332/https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-playoff-bracket-set-alabama-clemson-ohio-state-washington-in/ |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> On December 31, in the College Football Playoff Semifinals at the [[2016 Fiesta Bowl (December)|Fiesta Bowl]], Swinney and the Tigers defeated #3 [[2016 Ohio State Buckeyes football team|Ohio State]] 31–0 in Ohio State head coach [[Urban Meyer]]'s first career shut-out to set up a rematch of the 2015 National Championship against #1 [[2016 Alabama Crimson Tide football team|Alabama]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crouse |first=Karen |date=December 31, 2016 |title=Clemson Pounds Ohio State to Set Up a Rematch With Alabama |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/31/sports/ncaafootball/clemson-ohio-state-fiesta-bowl.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101195654/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/31/sports/ncaafootball/clemson-ohio-state-fiesta-bowl.html |archive-date=January 1, 2017 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> On January 9, 2017, Swinney led the Tigers to a 35–31 comeback win over Alabama to capture the [[2017 College Football Playoff National Championship|national championship]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=College Football Championship – Clemson vs Alabama Box Score, January 9, 2017 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2017-01-09-alabama.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020033121/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2017-01-09-alabama.html |archive-date=October 20, 2017 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The victory gave Clemson their first national championship since the 1981 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Borden |first=Sam |date=January 10, 2017 |title=Clemson Upsets Alabama to Win the College Football Championship |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/10/sports/ncaafootball/clemson-alabama-national-title-deshaun-watson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314213815/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/10/sports/ncaafootball/clemson-alabama-national-title-deshaun-watson.html |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> For the second time, Swinney earned the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2017 |title=Clemson's Dabo Swinney repeats as 'Bear' Bryant Coach of the Year |url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2017/01/12/Clemsons-Dabo-Swinney-repeats-as-Bear-Bryant-Coach-of-the-Year/8191484247625/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004182719/https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2017/01/12/Clemsons-Dabo-Swinney-repeats-as-Bear-Bryant-Coach-of-the-Year/8191484247625/ |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=UPI |language=en}}</ref> |
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== |
====2017 season==== |
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{{See also|2017 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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Swinney's [[nickname]] was given to him as an infant by his parents when his then-18-month-old brother would try to enunciate "that boy" when referring to Swinney.<ref>Paul Strelow, [http://www.thestate.com/sports/story/495742.html Family Tides break upon Clemson coach], TheState.com, August 20, 2008, Accessed October 12, 2008.</ref> He married the former Kathleen Bassett in 1994 and has three sons. Swinney is a [[Christianity|Christian]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Dabo Swinney, Clemson University|url=http://www.fca.org/themagazine/dabo-swinney-clemson-university/#.VF7yM5UtDIU}}</ref> |
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Coming off of the national championship season from the year before, Clemson and Swinney looked to fill big shoes with the loss of many offensive starters, including standout quarterback [[Deshaun Watson]] who entered the NFL Draft. However, the Tigers once again rose to national prominence with a 12–1 regular season record and their third ACC Championship in a row.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2017 |title=No. 1 Clemson Wins Third Straight ACC Championship |url=https://clemsontigers.com/no-1-clemson-wins-third-straight-acc-championship-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204174855/https://clemsontigers.com/no-1-clemson-wins-third-straight-acc-championship-2/ |archive-date=December 4, 2021 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Clemson Tigers Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2017.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313180737/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2017.html |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Clemson dominated #7 [[2017 Miami Hurricanes football team|Miami]] 38–3 in the [[2017 ACC Championship Game|ACC Championship]] and secured the #1 seed in the College Football Playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2017 |title=Clemson Dominates Miami to Win the A.C.C. Crown |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/03/sports/ncaafootball/acc-championship-clemson-miami.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916235242/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/03/sports/ncaafootball/acc-championship-clemson-miami.html |archive-date=September 16, 2018 |access-date=June 1, 2018 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> The Tigers posted big wins in the season with a 14–6 win over #13 [[2017 Auburn Tigers football team|Auburn]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 10, 2017 |title=QB Kelly Bryant, DE Austin Bryant steer Clemson past Auburn |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400933843 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327175603/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400933843 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=June 1, 2018 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> a 47–21 victory over #14 [[2017 Louisville Cardinals football team|Louisville]],<ref>{{Cite web |last1=D'Andrea |first1=Christian |last2=Moriarty |first2=Morgan |date=September 16, 2017 |title=Clemson vs. Louisville final: Tigers contain Lamar Jackson in big road win |url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/9/16/16298804/louisville-clemson-2017-final-score-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110054547/https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/9/16/16298804/louisville-clemson-2017-final-score-results |archive-date=January 10, 2018 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=SBNation.com |language=en}}</ref> and a 31–17 win over #12 [[2017 Virginia Tech Hokies football team|Virginia Tech]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patterson |first=Chip |date=October 1, 2017 |title=Clemson at Virginia Tech score, highlights: Tigers make a legit case for No. 1 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/clemson-at-virginia-tech-score-highlights-tigers-make-a-legit-case-for-no-1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109235500/https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/clemson-at-virginia-tech-score-highlights-tigers-make-a-legit-case-for-no-1/ |archive-date=January 9, 2018 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> Later in the season, Swinney earned his 97th career win at Clemson, vaulting him past [[Danny Ford]] to become the second-winningest coach in school history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vandervort |first=Will |date=November 2, 2017 |title=Swinney honored to be beside Howard, Ford |url=https://theclemsoninsider.com/2017/11/02/swinney-honored-to-be-beside-howard-ford/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327190001/https://theclemsoninsider.com/2017/11/02/swinney-honored-to-be-beside-howard-ford/ |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=The Clemson Insider |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Swinney capped off the regular season with another convincing win over rival [[2017 South Carolina Gamecocks football team|South Carolina]], 34–10, marking his fourth win in a row over the Gamecocks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kendall |first=Josh |date=November 26, 2017 |title=Clemson dismantles Gamecocks, again |url=http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article186556788.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180604113429/http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article186556788.html |archive-date=June 4, 2018 |access-date=June 1, 2018 |website=The State}}</ref> The Tigers faced #4 [[2017 Alabama Crimson Tide football team|Alabama]] in the [[2018 Sugar Bowl|Sugar Bowl]] for the first round of the College Football Playoffs. Alabama defeated Clemson 24–6.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Benjamin |date=January 2, 2018 |title=Alabama Beats Clemson to Set Up All-S.E.C. Championship Game |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/02/sports/college-football-playoff-alabama-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916062330/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/02/sports/college-football-playoff-alabama-clemson.html |archive-date=September 16, 2018 |access-date=June 1, 2018 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Clemson finished #4 overall in the final standings and were ranked in the top 10 throughout the entire 2017 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2017-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202032739/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2017-schedule.html |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |access-date=February 2, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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While in college at the University of Alabama, Swinney was a member of the [[Pi Kappa Alpha]] Fraternity.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.pikes.org/NewsAndMedia.aspx?mode=mpage&pid=9 |title=THE PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY |work=pikes.org |year=2014 |accessdate=2014-07-15}}</ref> |
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====2018 season==== |
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{{See also|2018 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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[[File:President Trump Welcomes the Clemson Tigers to the White House (46756919411).jpg|thumb|Swinney at the White House in 2019 after winning the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship]] |
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Clemson started off the 2018 season ranked second in the nation in the AP Poll and Coaches Poll.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Russo |first=Ralph D. |date=August 20, 2018 |title=AP college football preseason top 25: No. 1 Alabama tops list, followed by Clemson, Georgia |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/08/20/ap-college-football-2018-preseason-top-25/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327191431/https://www.denverpost.com/2018/08/20/ap-college-football-2018-preseason-top-25/ |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Keepfer |first=Scott |date=August 2, 2018 |title=Clemson football lands at No. 2 in Preseason Amway Coaches Poll |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2018/08/02/clemson-football-ranked-no-2-preseason-college-coaches-poll/883014002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329020537/https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2018/08/02/clemson-football-ranked-no-2-preseason-college-coaches-poll/883014002/ |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=The Greenville News |language=en-US}}</ref> The [[2018 Clemson Tigers football team|2018 Tigers]] opened the season with a 48–7 victory over [[2018 Furman Paladins football team|Furman]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Furman at Clemson Box Score, September 1, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-09-01-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327192632/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-09-01-clemson.html |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Clemson survived a close 28–26 result in the following game against [[2018 Texas A&M Aggies football team|Texas A&M]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2018 |title=College Football Scores: No. 2 Clemson Narrowly Escapes Texas A&M |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/08/sports/college-football-top-25-scores.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327192918/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/08/sports/college-football-top-25-scores.html |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Following a 38–7 victory over [[2018 Georgia Southern Eagles football team|Georgia Southern]], Clemson opened ACC play with a 49–21 victory over [[2018 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team|Georgia Tech]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Georgia Southern at Clemson Box Score, September 15, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-09-15-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327192428/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-09-15-clemson.html |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at Georgia Tech Box Score, September 22, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-09-22-georgia-tech.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327192428/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-09-22-georgia-tech.html |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Following a 27–23 victory over [[2018 Syracuse Orange football team|Syracuse]], Clemson defeated [[2018 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team|Wake Forest]] 63–3.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Syracuse at Clemson Box Score, September 29, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-09-29-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327192506/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-09-29-clemson.html |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 6, 2018 |title=Etienne leads No. 4 Clemson past Wake Forest, 63–3 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/gametracker/recap/NCAAF_20181006_CLEM@WAKE/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226185146/https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/gametracker/recap/NCAAF_20181006_CLEM@WAKE/ |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In the following game against #16 [[2018 NC State Wolfpack football team|NC State]], Clemson won 41–17.<ref>{{Cite web |title=North Carolina State at Clemson Box Score, October 20, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-10-20-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327195129/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-10-20-clemson.html |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Clemson dominated in their next two games, a 59–10 victory over [[2018 Florida State Seminoles football team|Florida State]] and a 77–16 victory over [[2018 Louisville Cardinals football team|Louisville]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at Florida State Box Score, October 27, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-10-27-florida-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327195650/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-10-27-florida-state.html |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 3, 2018 |title=No. 2 Clemson dominates Louisville in 77–16 win |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/football-ncaa-cle-lou-recap-idUSMTZEEB3MV13UJ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327195803/https://www.reuters.com/article/football-ncaa-cle-lou-recap-idUSMTZEEB3MV13UJ |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> Clemson closed out the regular season with victories over #17 [[2018 Boston College Eagles football team|Boston College]], [[2018 Duke Blue Devils football team|Duke]], and [[2018 South Carolina Gamecocks football team|South Carolina]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at Boston College Box Score, November 10, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-11-10-boston-college.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327212150/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-11-10-boston-college.html |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Duke at Clemson Box Score, November 17, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-11-17-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327200011/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-11-17-clemson.html |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=South Carolina at Clemson Box Score, November 24, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-11-24-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327200049/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-11-24-clemson.html |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Clemson qualified for the [[2018 ACC Championship Game|ACC Championship]] and defeated [[2018 Pitt Panthers football team|Pitt]] 42–10 to win their fourth consecutive conference championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Steve |date=December 2, 2018 |title=No. 2 Clemson clobbers Pitt 42–10 for 4th straight ACC title |url=https://apnews.com/article/abee582588104f85965e0524561b4593 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327195317/https://apnews.com/article/abee582588104f85965e0524561b4593 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref> |
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Clemson qualified for the College Football Playoff as the #2-seed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2018 |title=Clemson Tigers make the 2018 College Football Playoff, ranked 2nd overall |url=https://www.wltx.com/article/sports/ncaa/clemson-tigers/clemson-tigers-make-the-2018-college-football-playoff-ranked-2nd-overall/101-619816192 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329020600/https://www.wltx.com/article/sports/ncaa/clemson-tigers/clemson-tigers-make-the-2018-college-football-playoff-ranked-2nd-overall/101-619816192 |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=WLTX |language=en-US}}</ref> In the College Football Playoff Semifinals, the Tigers faced off against undefeated #3 [[2018 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team|Notre Dame]] in the [[2018 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton Bowl]] and won 30–3.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tracy |first=Marc |date=December 30, 2018 |title=Clemson Crushes Notre Dame to Reach Its 3rd National Title Game in 4 Seasons |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/29/sports/clemson-notre-dame-playoff.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106022643/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/29/sports/clemson-notre-dame-playoff.html |archive-date=January 6, 2019 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Clemson finished the season undefeated and won the 2019 [[College Football Playoff]] [[2019 College Football Playoff National Championship|national championship]], defeating [[2018 Alabama Crimson Tide football team|Alabama]] 44–16 to win the school their third national championship and Swinney's second.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Branch |first=John |date=January 7, 2019 |title=Clemson Leaves No Doubt in National Championship Thrashing of Alabama |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/07/sports/alabama-vs-clemson-national-championship.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327192054/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/07/sports/alabama-vs-clemson-national-championship.html |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Clemson was the first team to go 15–0 in modern history and the first in college football history since the [[1897 Penn Quakers football team]], which led some pundits to say that the 2018 Tigers are the greatest college football team of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Anna |date=January 8, 2019 |title=Clemson becomes first 15–0 team since 1897 |url=https://247sports.com/college/clemson/Article/Clemson-football-break-records-national-championship--127507016/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401144607/https://247sports.com/college/clemson/Article/Clemson-football-break-records-national-championship--127507016/ |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=Clemson247 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2018-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202032748/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2018-schedule.html |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 8, 2019 |title=Clemson makes bid to be considered best team ever |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2019/01/08/clemson-makes-bid-to-be-considered-best-team-ever/38860923/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426174320/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2019/01/08/clemson-makes-bid-to-be-considered-best-team-ever/38860923/ |archive-date=April 26, 2019 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[USA Today]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kantor |first=Ryan |date=January 15, 2019 |title=The 2018 Clemson Team That Won Their 15th Game in Levi's Stadium is the Greatest Ever |url=https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/2019/1/15/18179290/the-2018-clemson-team-that-won-their-15th-game-in-levis-stadium-is-the-greatest-ever |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327191102/https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/2019/1/15/18179290/the-2018-clemson-team-that-won-their-15th-game-in-levis-stadium-is-the-greatest-ever |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=Shakin The Southland |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirk |first=Jason |date=January 11, 2019 |title=How 2018 Clemson fits into the Best Team Ever debate(s) |url=https://www.bannersociety.com/2019/1/11/20729179/clemson-best-team-ever |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327191135/https://www.bannersociety.com/2019/1/11/20729179/clemson-best-team-ever |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=Banner Society |language=en}}</ref> Swinney was named ACC Coach of the Year and the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year for the 2018 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 27, 2018 |title=Clemson's Swinney Voted ACC Coach of the Year |url=http://theacc.com/news/2018/11/27/football-clemsons-swinney-voted-acc-coach-of-the-year.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114020326/https://theacc.com/news/2018/11/27/football-clemsons-swinney-voted-acc-coach-of-the-year.aspx |archive-date=November 14, 2022 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=The ACC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Keepfer |first=Scott |date=January 10, 2019 |title=Clemson coach Dabo Swinney named winner of Paul 'Bear' Bryant Award for record third time |url=https://www.independentmail.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2019/01/10/clemson-coach-dabo-swinney-named-winner-paul-bear-bryant-award/2534014002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517110210/https://www.independentmail.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2019/01/10/clemson-coach-dabo-swinney-named-winner-paul-bear-bryant-award/2534014002/ |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=Independent Mail |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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====2019 season==== |
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{{See also|2019 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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Swinney's [[2019 Clemson Tigers football team|2019 Tigers]] picked up where the previous year's team left off, running the table, including wins over [[2019 Southeastern Conference football season|Southeastern Conference]] opponents [[2019 Texas A&M Aggies football team|Texas A&M]] and [[2019 South Carolina Gamecocks football team|South Carolina]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Texas A&M at Clemson Box Score, September 7, 2019 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-09-07-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219193053/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-09-07-clemson.html |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at South Carolina Box Score, November 30, 2019 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-11-30-south-carolina.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201163857/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-11-30-south-carolina.html |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The one close call came in Clemson's fifth game, a 21–20 road win over [[Mack Brown]]'s [[2019 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|North Carolina Tar Heels]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heim |first=Mark |date=September 28, 2019 |title=No. 1 Clemson survives UNC late 2-point attempt, 21–20 |url=https://www.al.com/sports/2019/09/no-1-clemson-survives-north-carolinas-failed-2-point-conversion-wins-21-20-we-were-fortunate.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313184619/https://www.al.com/sports/2019/09/no-1-clemson-survives-north-carolinas-failed-2-point-conversion-wins-21-20-we-were-fortunate.html |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=AL.com |language=en}}</ref> They won their final seven regular season games by an average scoring margin of 41.7 points, and their streak of six straight wins by 35 points or more is the longest such streak of the modern era.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlabach |first=Mark |date=December 2019 |title=College football power rankings for Week 14 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/28196850/college-football-power-rankings-week-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108042931/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/28196850/college-football-power-rankings-week-14 |archive-date=January 8, 2020 |access-date=December 30, 2019 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> The 2019 Tigers held all twelve of their regular season opponents under 300 yards of total offense,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iacobelli |first=Peter |date=November 30, 2019 |title=Lawrence, No. 3 Clemson dominate South Carolina 38–3 |url=https://apnews.com/article/cbb347e862a94b628383f96a586776df |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327184657/https://apnews.com/article/cbb347e862a94b628383f96a586776df |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref> and they finished the season allowing the fewest points (10.6) and yards (244.7) per game in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Blinder |first1=Alan |last2=Witz |first2=Billy |date=December 30, 2019 |title=L.S.U. and Clemson Reached the Championship on Opposite Tracks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/30/sports/ncaafootball/lsu-clemson-football-playoff.html?action=click&module=Well&pgtype=Homepage§ion=Sports |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111202647/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/30/sports/ncaafootball/lsu-clemson-football-playoff.html?action=click&module=Well&pgtype=Homepage§ion=Sports |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=December 30, 2019 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Swinney won his fifth straight ACC Championship (and sixth overall) with a dismantling of [[2019 Virginia Cavaliers football team|Virginia]] in the [[2019 ACC Championship Game|championship game]] (although they were unable to hold Virginia under 300 yards of total offense [387]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Virginia vs Clemson Box Score, December 7, 2019 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-12-07-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219193051/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-12-07-clemson.html |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The 62–17 final score brought the above-mentioned streak to seven. On December 8, 2019, Clemson was named the No. 3 seed in the [[College Football Playoff]] and slated to meet No. 2-seed [[2019 Ohio State Buckeyes football team|Ohio State]] in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the [[2019 Fiesta Bowl (December)|Fiesta Bowl]]. They defeated the Buckeyes, 29–23, to advance to the [[2020 College Football Playoff National Championship|College Football Playoff National Championship]] on January 13, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Russo |first=Ralph D. |date=April 20, 2021 |title=Clemson moves on to title game with 29–23 win over Ohio St |url=https://apnews.com/article/ohio-sports-general-college-football-az-state-wire-tee-higgins-2bcde4a499a9d223c9950451f70af9b4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313184706/https://apnews.com/article/ohio-sports-general-college-football-az-state-wire-tee-higgins-2bcde4a499a9d223c9950451f70af9b4 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref> They lost the national title game to the [[2019 LSU Tigers football team|LSU Tigers]] by a score of 42–25.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Blinder |first1=Alan |last2=Drape |first2=Joe |date=January 13, 2020 |title=How L.S.U. Beat Clemson to Win the College Football National Title |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/13/sports/ncaafootball/clemson-lsu.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313173832/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/13/sports/ncaafootball/clemson-lsu.html |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> LSU's victory snapped a 29-game winning streak for Clemson.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2020 |title=LSU ends Clemson's 29-game winning streak with 42–25 victory in title game |url=https://wpde.com/sports/clemson/lsu-ends-clemsons-29-game-winning-streak-with-42-25-victory-in-title-game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327173018/https://wpde.com/sports/clemson/lsu-ends-clemsons-29-game-winning-streak-with-42-25-victory-in-title-game |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=WPDE |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> The streak was tied for the longest in ACC history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2020 |title=GAME NOTES: Clemson's Streak is Snapped |url=https://www.si.com/college/clemson/football/game-notes-clemsons-streak-is-snapped |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327180322/https://www.si.com/college/clemson/football/game-notes-clemsons-streak-is-snapped |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=SI.com}}</ref> |
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====2020 season==== |
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{{See also|2020 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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The [[2020 Clemson Tigers football team|2020 Tigers]] played a shortened schedule due to the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gridiron football|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 29, 2020 |title=ACC Announces Plans for Football and Fall Olympic Sports |url=http://theacc.com/news/2020/7/29/general-acc-announces-plans-for-football-and-fall-olympic-sports.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313184515/https://theacc.com/news/2020/7/29/general-acc-announces-plans-for-football-and-fall-olympic-sports.aspx |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=The ACC |language=en}}</ref> The Tigers opened the 2020 season as the top-ranked team in the nation in the AP Poll and Coaches Poll.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Senkiw |first=Brad |date=August 24, 2020 |title=Clemson Ranked No. 1 in AP Poll |url=https://www.si.com/college/clemson/football/clemson-ranked-no-1-in-ap-poll |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327175221/https://www.si.com/college/clemson/football/clemson-ranked-no-1-in-ap-poll |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=SI.com}}</ref> The Tigers started the season with a 7–0 record. On November 7, Clemson lost to #4 [[2020 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team|Notre Dame]] on the road in double overtime without Trevor Lawrence, who missed the game due to COVID-19 protocols.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Russo |first=Ralph D. |date=April 20, 2021 |title=No. 4 Notre Dame sacks No. 1 Clemson 47–40 in double OT |url=https://apnews.com/article/college-football-virus-outbreak-kyren-williams-football-notre-dame-fighting-irish-football-36c03bfec4db2d4f6368a9cd27bbf3f6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313183704/https://apnews.com/article/college-football-virus-outbreak-kyren-williams-football-notre-dame-fighting-irish-football-36c03bfec4db2d4f6368a9cd27bbf3f6 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Adelson |first=Andrea |date=October 31, 2020 |title=Clemson's Lawrence to miss Notre Dame game |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30231054/clemson-tigers-quarterback-trevor-lawrence-miss-notre-dame-game-due-covid-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327175534/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30231054/clemson-tigers-quarterback-trevor-lawrence-miss-notre-dame-game-due-covid-19 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref> Following the loss, Clemson won their last two games to finish 9–1.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2020-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323201146/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2020-schedule.html |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Tigers avenged their earlier loss, beating Notre Dame in the [[2020 ACC Championship Game|ACC Championship Game]] 34–10 to secure a sixth straight conference crown and a tenth win for a tenth straight season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whiteman |first=Marc |date=December 20, 2020 |title=Clemson overwhelms Notre Dame 34–10 for sixth straight ACC championship |url=https://www.wyff4.com/article/clemson-meets-notre-dame-in-acc-championship/35020512 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313183843/https://www.wyff4.com/article/clemson-meets-notre-dame-in-acc-championship/35020512 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=WYFF |language=en}}</ref> The season ended with a loss in the [[2021 Sugar Bowl]], the College Football Playoff Semifinal, to the [[2020 Ohio State Buckeyes football team|Ohio State]] by a score of 49–28.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staats |first=Wayne |date=December 20, 2020 |title=College Football Playoff: Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Notre Dame lead rankings |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2020-12-20/college-football-playoff-alabama-clemson-ohio-state-and-notre-dame-make-semifinals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313183944/https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2020-12-20/college-football-playoff-alabama-clemson-ohio-state-and-notre-dame-make-semifinals |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=NCAA.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sugar Bowl – Ohio State vs Clemson Box Score, January 1, 2021 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-01-01-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202032739/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-01-01-clemson.html |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |access-date=February 2, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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====2021 season==== |
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{{See also|2021 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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Swinney and Clemson started off the 2021 season ranked third in the AP Poll.<ref name="21clemson">{{Cite web |title=2021 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2021-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323201141/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2021-schedule.html |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Tigers suffered an early setback with a 10–3 loss to #5 [[2021 Georgia Bulldogs football team|Georgia]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Steve |date=September 5, 2021 |title=Defensive gem lifts No. 5 Georgia past No. 3 Clemson, 10–3 |url=https://apnews.com/article/sports-college-football-nfl-georgia-clemson-tigers-football-9773381532d8708d9aac8875b1a71551 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313184249/https://apnews.com/article/sports-college-football-nfl-georgia-clemson-tigers-football-9773381532d8708d9aac8875b1a71551 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref> Following a 49–3 win over [[2021 South Carolina State Bulldogs football team|South Carolina State]] and a narrow 14–8 win over [[2021 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team|Georgia Tech]], Clemson suffered a 27–21 loss to [[2021 North Carolina State Wolfpack football team|North Carolina State]] to drop to #25 in the poll.<ref>{{Cite web |title=South Carolina State at Clemson Box Score, September 11, 2021 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-09-11-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323201713/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-09-11-clemson.html |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Georgia Tech at Clemson Box Score, September 18, 2021 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-09-18-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323201731/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-09-18-clemson.html |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at North Carolina State Box Score, September 25, 2021 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-09-25-north-carolina-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323201757/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-09-25-north-carolina-state.html |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Following a close victory over [[2021 Boston College Eagles football team|Boston College]], Clemson dropped out of the Top 25 for the first time since 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Luckett |first=Adam |date=October 3, 2021 |title=Clemson falls out of AP Top 25, unranked for first time since 2014 |url=https://www.on3.com/teams/clemson-tigers/news/clemson-tigers-unranked-ap-top-25/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323202039/https://www.on3.com/teams/clemson-tigers/news/clemson-tigers-unranked-ap-top-25/ |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=On3 |language=en}}</ref> Following a 17–14 victory over [[2021 Syracuse Orange football team|Syracuse]] and a 27–17 loss to #23 [[2021 Pitt Panthers football team|Pitt]], Clemson went on a five-game winning streak to close out the regular season.<ref name="21clemson" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at Syracuse Box Score, October 15, 2021 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-10-15-syracuse.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323202414/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-10-15-syracuse.html |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at Pitt Box Score, October 23, 2021 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-10-23-pittsburgh.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323202705/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-10-23-pittsburgh.html |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In that stretch was a 48–27 victory over #13 [[2021 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team|Wake Forest]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wake Forest at Clemson Box Score, November 20, 2021 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-11-20-clemson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323202722/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-11-20-clemson.html |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Clemson returned to the Top 25 ranking for their bowl game.<ref name="21clemson" /> In the 2021 season, Swinney led the Tigers to a 10–3 record that culminated with a 20–13 victory over [[2021 Iowa State Cyclones football team|Iowa State]] in the [[2021 Cheez-It Bowl|Cheez-It Bowl]] and a final ranking of #14.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 Clemson Tigers Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2021.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313182952/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2021.html |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cheez-It Bowl – Clemson vs Iowa State Box Score, December 29, 2021 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-12-29-iowa-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313182936/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-12-29-iowa-state.html |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="21clemson" /> |
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====2022 season==== |
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{{See also|2022 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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On September 8, 2022, Swinney signed a contract extension through 2031 worth $115 million.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Adelson |first=Andrea |date=September 8, 2022 |title=Dabo, Clemson agree to new 10-year, $115M deal |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/34548897/clemson-tigers-head-football-coach-dabo-swinney-agrees-new-10-year-115-million-contract |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908155102/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/34548897/clemson-tigers-head-football-coach-dabo-swinney-agrees-new-10-year-115-million-contract |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |access-date=September 8, 2022 |work=ESPN |language=en}}</ref> The Tigers recorded a 8–0 start and a #5 ranking before falling to [[2022 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team|Notre Dame]] 35–14 on November 5.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clemson at Notre Dame Box Score, November 5, 2022 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2022-11-05-notre-dame.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313184114/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2022-11-05-notre-dame.html |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Tigers remained in contention for the College Football Playoff until the regular season finale against rival [[2022 South Carolina Gamecocks football team|South Carolina]], where the Tigers lost 31–30. The loss to the Gamecocks marked the first for Clemson in the rivalry since 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Emily |date=November 26, 2022 |title=South Carolina football upsets No. 8 Clemson, snaps Tigers' seven-game rivalry win streak |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/usc/2022/11/26/south-carolina-upsets-clemson-breaks-eight-game-losing-streak/69665251007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329020606/https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/usc/2022/11/26/south-carolina-upsets-clemson-breaks-eight-game-losing-streak/69665251007/ |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=The Greenville News |language=en-US}}</ref> The Tigers won the [[2022 ACC Championship Game|ACC Championship]] over #24 [[2022 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|North Carolina]] 39–10.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Steve |date=December 4, 2022 |title=Klubnik, No. 10 Clemson rout No. 24 UNC 39–10 for ACC title |url=https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-north-carolina-clemson-tigers-dabo-swinney-445ed6a127edcb29c367811713f1d2d7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313183402/https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-north-carolina-clemson-tigers-dabo-swinney-445ed6a127edcb29c367811713f1d2d7 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref> The Tigers ended up in the [[2022 Orange Bowl|Orange Bowl]], where they lost 31–14 to #6 [[2022 Tennessee Volunteers football team|Tennessee]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Tim |date=December 31, 2022 |title=No. 6 Tennessee tops No. 10 Clemson 31–14 in Orange Bowl |url=https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-clemson-tigers-tennessee-volunteers-279992aa80fcf65359aa7cd2ab2f7833 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313183453/https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-clemson-tigers-tennessee-volunteers-279992aa80fcf65359aa7cd2ab2f7833 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref> In the 2022 season, Swinney led the Tigers to a 11–3 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Clemson Tigers Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2022.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208204433/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2022.html |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> For Swinney, the 2022 season marked Clemson's 12th consecutive campaign with at least ten wins, joining [[Bobby Bowden]] and Nick Saban as the only coaches to accomplish the feat.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Backus |first=Will |date=November 18, 2022 |title=Dabo Swinney 'takes pride' in Clemson's streak of 10-win seasons as Tigers aim for 12th-straight against Miami |url=https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/Dabo-Swinney-takes-pride-in-Clemsons-streak-of-10-win-seasons-as-Tigers-aim-for-12th-straight-against-Miami-197896932/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329020608/https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/Dabo-Swinney-takes-pride-in-Clemsons-streak-of-10-win-seasons-as-Tigers-aim-for-12th-straight-against-Miami-197896932/ |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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====2023 season==== |
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{{See also|2023 Clemson Tigers football team}} |
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Swinney and the Tigers started the 2023 season with #9 ranking in the AP Poll.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iacobelli |first=Pete |date=August 16, 2023 |title=No. 9 Clemson hopes changes at quarterback, coordinator lead the Tigers back to the CFP |url=https://apnews.com/article/clemson-riley-swinney-klubnik-acc-61032054788e1546c58d3488d346832e |access-date=January 23, 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> The team dropped the season opener to Duke in a 28–7 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raynor |first=Grace |date=September 5, 2023 |title=Raynor: The debacle in Durham is yet another sign Clemson's reign might be over |url=https://theathletic.com/4833149/2023/09/05/clemson-football-dabo-swinney-duke/ |access-date=January 23, 2024 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}</ref> Clemson won their next two games over Charleston Southern and FAU before dropping a 31–24 overtime result to #4 Florida State.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charleston Southern at Clemson Box Score, September 9, 2023 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2023-09-09-clemson.html |access-date=January 23, 2024 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Florida Atlantic at Clemson Box Score, September 16, 2023 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2023-09-16-clemson.html |access-date=January 23, 2024 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Goeckel |first=Christian |date=September 23, 2023 |title=Rapid Reaction: Clemson falls to Florida State in overtime |url=https://www.si.com/college/clemson/football/rapid-reaction-clemson-falls-to-florida-state-in-overtime |access-date=January 23, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref> Tigers split their next four games to sit at 4–4.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/clemson/2023-schedule.html |access-date=January 23, 2024 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Swinney led the team to a five-game winning streak to close out the season. The winning streak saw ranked victories over Notre Dame and North Carolina to go with a Gator Bowl victory over Kentucky.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Clemson Box Score, November 4, 2023 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2023-11-04-clemson.html |access-date=January 23, 2024 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=North Carolina at Clemson Box Score, November 18, 2023 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2023-11-18-clemson.html |access-date=January 23, 2024 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Blau |first=Jon |date=December 29, 2023 |title=Clemson mounts comeback in 38–35 win over Kentucky in Gator Bowl |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/clemson/clemson-comeback-gator-bowl-kentucky/article_5bd714b4-a668-11ee-8c3a-5f92a68cf7a1.html |access-date=January 23, 2024 |website=Post and Courier |language=en}}</ref> |
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==Personal life== |
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Swinney's nickname "Dabo" was given to him as an infant by his brother, Tripp, who would try to enunciate "that boy" when referring to Swinney.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Ron |date=November 22, 2009 |title=Family matters for Swinney |url=https://www.thestate.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ron-morris/article14359523.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229051206/https://www.thestate.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ron-morris/article14359523.html |archive-date=December 29, 2019 |access-date=December 28, 2019 |website=TheState.com}}</ref> |
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Swinney converted to Christianity when he was 16 years old, saying, "And that was a game-changer for me. That's really become the foundation of my life."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Lauren |date=July 23, 2018 |title=Clemson Football Coach Dabo Swinney Shares Testimony at ACC Kickoff |url=https://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/religion-today-blog/clemson-football-coach-dabo-swinney-shares-testimony-at-acc-kickoff.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106204348/https://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/religion-today-blog/clemson-football-coach-dabo-swinney-shares-testimony-at-acc-kickoff.html |archive-date=January 6, 2019 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=Crosswalk.com |language=en}}</ref> Swinney has also said, "Coaching makes some of the things I've experienced in my life make sense to me. It allows me to use my life experiences to impact young people and to serve God through what I do. I'm very passionate about seeing young people graduate, mature and develop.".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chandler |first=Charles |date=October 1, 2017 |title=Swinney 'All-In' for Christ |url=https://decisionmagazine.com/swinney-all-in-for-christ/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313173803/https://decisionmagazine.com/swinney-all-in-for-christ/ |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=Decision Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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He is married to his high school sweetheart Kathleen Swinney, with whom he has three sons, and resides in [[Clemson, South Carolina]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Jonathan |date=January 13, 2020 |title=Dabo Swinney's Wife Kathleen Swinney & Kids Are Big Part of Clemson |url=https://heavy.com/sports/2020/01/dabo-swinney-wife-kids-family-kathleen-swinney/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313173124/https://heavy.com/sports/2020/01/dabo-swinney-wife-kids-family-kathleen-swinney/ |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=Heavy.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=January 7, 2016 |title=Dabo Swinney's life of family pain, poverty and love of Alabama |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/14519758/dabo-swinney-overcame-pain-poverty-reach-new-heights-clemson |access-date=September 4, 2023 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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==Head coaching record== |
==Head coaching record== |
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{{CFB Yearly Record Start |type=coach |conf= |
{{CFB Yearly Record Start |type=coach |team= |conf= |bowl= |poll=both}} |
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{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead |
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead |
||
| name = [[Clemson Tigers football|Clemson Tigers]] |
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| conf = [[Atlantic Coast Conference]] |
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| startyear = 2008 |
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| endyear = |
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}} |
}} |
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{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
||
| championship = |
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| year = [[2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2008]] |
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| year = [[2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2008]] |
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| name = [[2008 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
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| overall = 4–3<ref group="A">Took over midseason from [[Tommy Bowden]], who resigned on October 13, 2008</ref> |
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| overall = 4–3<ref group="A">Took over midseason from [[Tommy Bowden]], who resigned on October 13, 2008</ref> |
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| conference = 3–2 |
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| conference = 3–2 |
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| confstanding = T–3rd <small>(Atlantic)<small> |
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| confstanding = T–3rd (Atlantic) |
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| bowlname = [[2009 Gator Bowl|Gator]] |
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| bowlname = [[2009 Gator Bowl|Gator]] |
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| bowloutcome = L |
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| bowloutcome = L |
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| bcsbowl = |
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| ranking = |
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| ranking2 = |
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}} |
}} |
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{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
||
| championship = division |
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| year = [[2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2009]] |
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| name = [[2009 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
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| overall = 9–5 |
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| conference = 6–2 |
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| confstanding = 1st (Atlantic) |
|||
| bowlname = [[2009 Music City Bowl|Music City]] |
|||
| bowloutcome = W |
|||
| bcsbowl = |
|||
| ranking = |
|||
| ranking2 = 24 |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
||
| championship = |
|||
| year = [[2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2010]] |
|||
| name = [[2010 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
|||
| overall = 6–7 |
|||
| conference = 4–4 |
|||
| confstanding = T–4th (Atlantic) |
|||
| bowlname = [[2010 Meineke Car Care Bowl|Meineke Car Care]] |
|||
| bowloutcome = L |
|||
| ranking = |
|||
| ranking2 = |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
||
| championship = conference |
|||
| year = [[2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2011]] |
|||
| name = [[2011 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
|||
| overall = 10–4 |
|||
| conference = 6–2 |
|||
| confstanding = 1st (Atlantic) |
|||
| bowlname = [[2012 Orange Bowl|Orange]] |
|||
| bowloutcome = L |
|||
| bcsbowl = yes |
|||
| ranking = 22 |
|||
| ranking2 = 22 |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
||
| championship = division |
|||
| year = [[2012 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2012]] |
|||
| name = [[2012 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
|||
| overall = 11–2 |
|||
| conference = 7–1 |
|||
| confstanding = T–1st (Atlantic) |
|||
| bowlname = [[2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl|Chick-fil-A]] |
|||
| bowloutcome = W |
|||
| bcsbowl = |
|||
| ranking = 9 |
|||
| ranking2 = 11 |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
||
| championship = |
|||
| year = [[2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2013]] |
|||
| name = [[2013 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
|||
| overall = 11–2 |
|||
| conference = 7–1 |
|||
| confstanding = 2nd (Atlantic) |
|||
| bowlname = [[2014 Orange Bowl (January)|Orange]] |
|||
| bowloutcome = W |
|||
| bcsbowl = yes |
|||
| ranking = 7 |
|||
| ranking2 = 8 |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
||
| championship = |
|||
| year = [[2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2014]] |
|||
| name = [[2014 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
|||
| overall = 10–3 |
|||
| conference = 6–2 |
|||
| confstanding = 2nd (Atlantic) |
|||
| bowlname = [[2014 Russell Athletic Bowl|Russell Athletic]] |
|||
| bowloutcome = W |
|||
| bcsbowl = |
|||
| ranking = 15 |
|||
| ranking2 = 15 |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
||
| championship = conference |
|||
| year = [[2015 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2015]] |
|||
| name = [[2015 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
|||
| overall = 14–1 |
|||
| conference = 8–0 |
|||
| confstanding = 1st (Atlantic) |
|||
| bowlname = [[2015 Orange Bowl|Orange]]<sup>†</sup>, '''L''' [[2016 College Football Playoff National Championship|CFP NCG]] |
|||
| bowlname = |
|||
| bowloutcome = W |
|||
| bcsbowl = yes |
|||
| ranking = 2 |
|||
| ranking2 = 2 |
|||
}} |
|||
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
|||
| championship = national |
|||
| year = [[2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2016]] |
|||
| name = [[2016 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
|||
| overall = 14–1 |
|||
| conference = 7–1 |
|||
| confstanding = 1st (Atlantic) |
|||
| bowlname = [[2016 Fiesta Bowl (December)|Fiesta]]<sup>†</sup>, '''W''' [[2017 College Football Playoff National Championship|CFP NCG]] |
|||
| bowloutcome = W |
|||
| bcsbowl = yes |
|||
| ranking = 1 |
|||
| ranking2 = 1 |
|||
}} |
|||
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
|||
| championship = conference |
|||
| year = [[2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2017]] |
|||
| name = [[2017 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
|||
| overall = 12–2 |
|||
| conference = 7–1 |
|||
| confstanding = 1st (Atlantic) |
|||
| bowlname = [[2018 Sugar Bowl|Sugar]] |
|||
| bowloutcome = L |
|||
| bcsbowl = yes |
|||
| ranking = 4 |
|||
| ranking2 = 4 |
|||
}} |
|||
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
|||
| championship = national |
|||
| year = [[2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2018]] |
|||
| name = [[2018 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
|||
| overall = 15–0 |
|||
| conference = 8–0 |
|||
| confstanding = 1st (Atlantic) |
|||
| bowlname = [[2018 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton]]<sup>†</sup>, '''W''' [[2019 College Football Playoff National Championship|CFP NCG]] |
|||
| bowloutcome = W |
|||
| bcsbowl = yes |
|||
| ranking = 1 |
|||
| ranking2 = 1 |
|||
}} |
|||
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
|||
| championship = conference |
|||
| year = [[2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2019]] |
|||
| name = [[2019 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
|||
| overall = 14–1 |
|||
| conference = 8–0 |
|||
| confstanding = 1st (Atlantic) |
|||
| bowlname = [[2019 Fiesta Bowl (December)|Fiesta]]<sup>†</sup>, '''L''' [[2020 College Football Playoff National Championship|CFP NCG]] |
|||
| bowloutcome = W |
|||
| bcsbowl = yes |
|||
| ranking = 2 |
|||
| ranking2 = 2 |
|||
}} |
|||
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
|||
| championship = conference |
|||
| year = [[2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2020]] |
|||
| name = [[2020 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
|||
| overall = 10–2 |
|||
| conference = 7–1 |
|||
| confstanding = 2nd |
|||
| bowlname = [[2021 Sugar Bowl|Sugar]] |
|||
| bowloutcome = L |
|||
| bcsbowl = yes |
|||
| ranking = 3 |
|||
| ranking2 = 3 |
|||
}} |
|||
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
|||
| championship = |
|||
| year = [[2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2021]] |
|||
| name = [[2021 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
|||
| overall = 10–3 |
|||
| conference = 6–2 |
|||
| confstanding = T–2nd (Atlantic) |
|||
| bowlname = [[2021 Cheez-It Bowl|Cheez-It]] |
|||
| bowloutcome = W |
|||
| bcsbowl = |
|||
| ranking = 16 |
|||
| ranking2 = 14 |
|||
}} |
|||
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
|||
| championship = conference |
|||
| year = [[2022 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2022]] |
|||
| name = [[2022 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
|||
| overall = 11–3 |
|||
| conference = 8–0 |
|||
| confstanding = 1st (Atlantic) |
|||
| bowlname = [[2022 Orange Bowl|Orange]] |
|||
| bowloutcome = L |
|||
| bcsbowl = yes |
|||
| ranking = 12 |
|||
| ranking2 = 13 |
|||
}} |
|||
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
|||
| championship = |
|||
| year = [[2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2023]] |
|||
| name = [[2023 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
|||
| overall = 9–4 |
|||
| conference = 4–4 |
|||
| confstanding = T–6th |
|||
| bowlname = [[2023 Gator Bowl|Gator]] |
|||
| bowloutcome = W |
|||
| bcsbowl = |
|||
| ranking = 20 |
|||
| ranking2 = 20 |
|||
}} |
|||
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry |
|||
| championship = conference |
|||
| year = [[2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2024]] |
|||
| name = [[2024 Clemson Tigers football team|Clemson]] |
|||
| overall = 10–4 |
|||
| conference = 7–1 |
|||
| confstanding = 2nd |
|||
| bowlname = [[2024–25 College Football Playoff#Clemson at Texas|CFP First Round]] |
|||
| bowloutcome = L |
|||
| bcsbowl = yes |
|||
| ranking = |
|||
| ranking2 = |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal |
{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal |
||
| name = Clemson |
|||
| overall = 180–47 |
|||
| confrecord = 109–24 |
|||
}} |
}} |
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{{CFB Yearly Record End |
{{CFB Yearly Record End |
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| overall = 180–47 |
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| yearstart = 2011 |
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| yearend = |
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| poll = two |
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| poll = two |
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| polltype2 = |
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}} |
}} |
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{{ |
{{Reflist|group="A"}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Commons category |
{{Commons category}} |
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* [http://www.daboswinney.com/staff/ Clemson profile] |
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{{Portal|Biography|College football}} |
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* [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/dabo-swinney-1.html Coaching statistics] at [[Sports Reference]] |
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* [http://clemsontigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/swinney_dabo00.html Dabo Swinney - Official Clemson biography] |
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{{Clemson Tigers football coach navbox}} |
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{{Atlantic Coast Conference football coach navbox}} |
{{Atlantic Coast Conference football coach navbox}} |
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{{Navboxes |
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{{Clemson Tigers football coach navbox}} |
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{{1992 Alabama Crimson Tide football navbox}} |
{{1992 Alabama Crimson Tide football navbox}} |
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{{2016 Clemson Tigers football navbox}} |
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{{2018 Clemson Tigers football navbox}} |
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{{Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year Award}} |
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{{Bobby Dodd Award}} |
{{Bobby Dodd Award}} |
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{{Home Depot Coach of the Year}} |
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{{Walter Camp Coach of the Year}} |
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{{Persondata |
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{{George Munger Award}} |
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| NAME = Swinney, Dabo |
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{{Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year}} |
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| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Swinney, William Christopher; Swinney, William C.; |
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{{AFCA Coach of the Year}} |
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| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American college football player, college football coach |
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{{Bear Bryant Award}} |
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| DATE OF BIRTH = November 20, 1969 |
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| PLACE OF BIRTH = Birmingham, Alabama, United States |
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| DATE OF DEATH = |
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}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Swinney, Dabo}} |
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[[Category:1969 births]] |
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[[Category:American football wide receivers]] |
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[[Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football coaches]] |
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[[Category:Clemson Tigers football coaches]] |
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[[Category:Players of American football from Birmingham, Alabama]] |
Latest revision as of 07:33, 28 December 2024
Current position | |
---|---|
Title | Head coach |
Team | Clemson |
Conference | ACC |
Record | 180–47 |
Biographical details | |
Born | Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. | November 20, 1969
Playing career | |
1990–1992 | Alabama |
Position(s) | Wide receiver |
Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
1993–1995 | Alabama (GA) |
1996 | Alabama (WR/TE) |
1997 | Alabama (TE) |
1998–2000 | Alabama (WR) |
2003–2006 | Clemson (WR/RC) |
2007–2008 | Clemson (AHC/WR/RC) |
2008 | Clemson (interim HC/OC) |
2009–present | Clemson |
Head coaching record | |
Overall | 180–47 |
Bowls | 12–9 |
Tournaments | 6–5 (CFP) |
Accomplishments and honors | |
Championships | |
| |
Awards | |
| |
William Christopher "Dabo" Swinney (/ˈdæboʊ ˈswiːniː/;[1] born November 20, 1969) is an American college football coach, currently serving as the head football coach at Clemson University. Swinney took over as head coach of the Clemson Tigers seven games into the 2008 season, following the resignation of Tommy Bowden. Swinney's team won national championships in 2016 and 2018. His 2018 Clemson Tigers have often been considered one of the greatest college football teams of all time.[2][3][4] He is the winningest head coach in Clemson football history and ACC football history.[5][6]
Early life and education
[edit]Swinney's parents, Carol McIntosh and Ervil Swinney, married shortly after Carol's high school graduation.[7] The couple had three boys: Tracy, Tripp, and William (Dabo).[7]
Although born in Birmingham, Swinney was raised in Pelham.[8] He attended Pelham High School, where he played a number of sports, including baseball and football.[8]
Facing financial troubles after his parents divorced, Swinney and his mother were temporarily homeless and lived with various friends for a period of time.[7] Nevertheless, Swinney was an honor student and continued to excel in football.[9]
His high school coach encouraged Swinney to pursue basketball at a number of colleges; however, Swinney insisted on the University of Alabama—his father's favorite football team—once he learned that he was admissible.[8][7] Swinney once revealed, "I didn't know what a Pell Grant was, and I didn't know how to do student loans. I had no clue. I had no collegiate background in my family of how to do that type of stuff."[8]
While in college, his mother stayed with him and a classmate in an off-campus apartment for three years until she could afford her own home.[10][9] Swinney worked a number of low wage jobs during the summer of his sophomore year in order to pay for tuition, rent, and other expenses.[9] That fall, he received a notice that he owed the university $550 that was due the next day or his classes would be dropped and he would be disqualified from the football team.[9] That same day he opened a credit line with Discover credit card, which allowed him to pay the outstanding balance along with his rent.[9]
Swinney was involved in Greek Life during college, and was initiated as a brother of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.[11] He received his bachelor's degree in commerce & business administration in 1993 and two years later, he earned a master's degree in Business Administration from the same university.[12] At one point, his career goals included being a doctor and running a hospital.[8]
Playing career
[edit]Swinney joined the Alabama Crimson Tide as a walk-on wide receiver in 1989.[13][14] He earned a scholarship and lettered on three teams (1990–1992), including the Crimson Tide's 1992 National Championship team.[15] During his time as an undergraduate at Alabama, Swinney was twice named an Academic All-SEC and SEC Scholar Athlete Honor Roll member.[16] In three seasons at Alabama, he caught seven passes for 81 yards.[17]
Coaching career
[edit]Alabama
[edit]While completing work on his MBA, Swinney served as a graduate assistant at Alabama under Gene Stallings.[18][19]
In December 1995, Swinney received his MBA from Alabama and became a full-time assistant coach for the Crimson Tide in charge of wide receivers and tight ends.[20] He retained these posts under Stallings' successor, Mike DuBose.[21] He was fired with all of DuBose's staff in early 2001.[22]
Swinney sat out the 2001 season while receiving his contractual payments from Alabama. His former strength coach at Alabama, Rich Wingo, had become president of Birmingham-based AIG Baker Real Estate and offered him a job. From April 2001 through February 2003, he did not coach and instead worked for AIG Baker Real Estate as a commercial real estate salesman.[22][23]
Clemson
[edit]In 2002, Tommy Bowden—Swinney's former position coach at Alabama— offered him the position of wide receivers coach at Clemson, and Swinney joined in 2003.[24] He also took over as recruiting coordinator from popular longtime coordinator Rick Stockstill.[25] Swinney proved to be both an excellent wide receivers coach as well as recruiting coordinator, coaching ACC-leading receivers and being named one of the nation's top 25 recruiters in 2007 by Rivals.com.[22]
2008 season
[edit]Swinney was named the interim head football coach on October 13, 2008, after head coach Tommy Bowden resigned six games into the season.[26] The Tigers had started the year ranked #9 in the preseason polls, but then went 3–3 (1–2 ACC) in their first six games.[27] At the time he was informed of his promotion, he was working with the wide receivers on their upcoming game.[28]
With a reputation as a top-notch recruiter, Swinney was chosen over Clemson defensive coordinator Vic Koenning (former head coach of Wyoming), and associate head coach Brad Scott (former head coach of South Carolina).[29] Swinney's first actions as interim head coach were to fire offensive coordinator Rob Spence and introduce a new tradition, the "Tiger Walk", where all players and coaches walk through the parking lot outside Memorial Stadium about two hours before a game as they head inside for final game preparations.[30] On October 18, in his first game as interim head coach, the team lost to Georgia Tech 21–17.[31] On November 1, 2008, Swinney claimed his first victory as the Tigers' head coach by defeating Boston College, breaking Clemson's six-game losing streak against the Eagles. On November 29, 2008, Swinney coached Clemson to a 31–14 win over South Carolina in the annual rivalry game, after which Clemson became bowl eligible. After a vote of confidence from athletic director Terry Don Phillips, Swinney was formally named as Clemson's 27th head coach on December 1, 2008. In his first game as the full-time head coach, he lost the 2009 Gator Bowl to the Nebraska Cornhuskers 26–21.[32]
Swinney's recruiting reputation became evident when he produced five top-20 ESPN recruiting classes in a row, including top 10 classes in 2011 and 2012.[33] As a result, Clemson was one of only 10 schools to be ranked in the top 20 of recruiting five years in a row (along with LSU, Alabama, Texas, USC, Florida, Georgia, Florida State, Ohio State, and Oklahoma), and as of 2014 Swinney was one of only four active head coaches at the time to accomplish the feat (along with Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Bob Stoops).[33]
Despite his recruiting reputation, Swinney was an unpopular hire among some Clemson fans. Some fans and pundits noted that he had never been more than a position coach. Others were skeptical that Clemson had opted to retain one of Bowden's assistants.[34][35]
2009 season
[edit]During the 2009 season, which was Swinney's first full season at the helm, Clemson achieved several accomplishments. The 2009 team finished the season with a record of 9–5 (6–2 in ACC) to win the Atlantic Division title of the Atlantic Coast Conference.[36][37] The 2009 season included three marquee wins: a win over #8 Miami (FL) in overtime on the road, a 16-point win over Florida State at home, and a win over Kentucky 21–13 in the 2009 Music City Bowl.[38][39][40] Swinney coached the Clemson Tigers to a #24 AP Top 25 final season ranking for the 2009 football season.[41]
2010 season
[edit]In 2010, Swinney led Clemson to a 6–6 (4–4 in ACC) regular season.[42] Of the six losses in the 2010 season, five were by less than 10 points and four were by six points or less.[43] The season included close losses to Cam Newton and the eventual national champion Auburn Tigers (27–24 on the road in OT), and the eventual division champion Florida State Seminoles (16–13 on a 55-yard, time-expiring field goal on the road).[44][45] After the conclusion of the regular season, many fans called for the firing of both Swinney and athletic director Terry Don Phillips.[34] Swinney would say years later he expected to be fired after the regular season ended with a loss to South Carolina.[46] Phillips instead gave Swinney another vote of confidence and allowed him to return for the 2011 season.[47] Discontent with Swinney grew even more after a bowl loss to South Florida made Clemson's final record 6–7, Clemson's first losing season since 1998.[48][49] Swinney, who was 19–15, entered the 2011 season widely considered to be a coach on the hot seat.[50] Despite a disappointing 6–7 record, the 2010 team featured one of the nation's top defenses and the Bronko Nagurski and Ted Hendricks award winner, Da'Quan Bowers.[51][42]
2011 season
[edit]In 2011, Swinney led the Tigers to a 10–3 record that included an ACC Championship, the Tigers' first since 1991.[52][53] They earned a trip to the Orange Bowl, their first major-bowl appearance since the 1981 national championship season.[54] During a pre-game ESPN interview prior to the 2012 Orange Bowl, Swinney said, "Hopefully when this thing is over, people are going to be talking about the Clemson defense."[55] The comment proved to be prescient as #15 Clemson went on to lose to the #23 West Virginia Mountaineers, 70–33, conceding an all-time record number of points scored in a quarter (35), half (49) and game (70) in the 109-year history of bowl games.[56] Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele was fired after the game.[57]
A notable addition to the Clemson coaching staff in 2011 was offensive coordinator Chad Morris, who had previously only coached at the high school level. Morris brought in a fast-paced, up-tempo spread offense that shattered many Clemson offensive records and influenced other coordinators around the country and in the NFL.[58]
Swinney was the 2011 winner of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award, which was established to honor the NCAA Division 1 football coach whose team excels on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.[59] The award is named for Bobby Dodd, longtime head football coach of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. The award was established in 1976 to honor the values that Dodd exemplified.[60]
2012 season
[edit]Swinney and Clemson started off the 2012 season with a 3–0 start. The Tigers suffered their first setback against #4 Florida State 49–37 in the season's fourth game.[61] The team reeled off seven consecutive wins before falling to rival #13 South Carolina 27–17.[62] In 2012, Swinney led Clemson to its first 11-win season since the 1981 national championship year, capping the year off with an upset 25–24 victory over the #8 LSU Tigers in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.[63] The Tigers finished the year at 11–2 and ranked 11th in the AP Poll.[64][65] Swinney was a finalist for the third time in his career for the Liberty Mutual National Coach of the Year.[66]
2013 season
[edit]In 2013, Swinney guided the Tigers to their third 10-win season in a row, their first since 1989.[67] The highlight regular-season win came against #5 Georgia in the season opener. The Tigers won 38–35.[68] Clemson's two regular season losses were to top 10 opponents, national champion Florida State and South Carolina.[69][70] The 31–17 loss to the rival Gamecocks was a record fifth straight for the Tigers, the longest winning streak for South Carolina in the series, while the 51–14 loss to Florida State was the worst home loss in the history of the Clemson football program and tied with the 2012 Orange Bowl for Clemson's most lopsided loss under Dabo Swinney.[71] The completion of the season marked 32 wins over three years for Swinney, the most ever in such a span in Clemson football history.[72] The Tigers received their second BCS bowl bid under Swinney with an invitation to play seventh-ranked Ohio State in the 2014 Orange Bowl.[73] The Tigers defeated the Buckeyes 40–35 to give the Tigers' their third Orange Bowl win in their history and their first BCS bowl victory.[74][75] The 2013 season marked the first time Clemson had back-to-back 11-win seasons. After the game, Swinney recalled the Tigers' lopsided loss two years before in the Orange Bowl and the team's journey since then. "Hey, listen: Two years ago we got our butts kicked on this field. And it has been a journey to get back. We're 22–4 since that night. And we are the first team from the state of South Carolina to ever win a BCS game," Swinney said.[76] The win was Swinney's fourth victory over a top ten opponent as a head coach. The Tigers finished the season ranked in the top 10 in both polls (#8 in AP, #7 in Coaches), the first such achievement for Swinney as head coach.
Following the season, Swinney agreed to eight-year, $27.15 million contract and guaranteed if Swinney was fired in the next three years.[77][78]
2014 season
[edit]Under Swinney, Clemson had their fourth 10-win season in a row, making them one of only four schools to achieve the feat in the last four seasons.[citation needed] The Tigers started the season ranked #16 but suffered early setbacks with losses to #13 Georgia and #1 Florida State.[79][80] However, with the emergence of freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Tigers only lost one more game to ACC Coastal Division Champion Georgia Tech, which Watson started but did not finish due to injury.[81] The regular season was highlighted with the finale against South Carolina in which Clemson broke a five-game losing streak to the Gamecocks to win 35–17 in Death Valley.[82] Clemson received an invitation to play Oklahoma in the Russell Athletic Bowl on December 29, 2014. Led by Clemson's #1 ranked defense in the nation,[83] the Tigers routed the Sooners 40–6, holding Oklahoma to 275 total yards and forcing five turnovers.[84] Ironically, defensive coordinator Brent Venables had held the same position with the Sooners until coming to Clemson in 2012.[85] The Tigers finished 10–3 for the season and ranked 15th in both the AP and the Coaches Poll.[86]
Swinney's last three bowl wins have been over college programs that have all won national titles since 2000.[87]
2015 season
[edit]Swinney completed his then best season as Clemson's head coach in 2015, leading the Tigers to a 14–1 record with an ACC Championship and an appearance in the national championship game.[88] The Tigers defeated #8 North Carolina 45–37 to win their 15th ACC Championship.[89][90] Clemson defeated #4 Oklahoma 37–17 in the College Football Playoff Semifinals at the Orange Bowl to face off in the National Championship.[91] Clemson fell short to Alabama in the title game 45–40 after Nick Saban, the head coach of Alabama, surprised Clemson with a successful onside kick.[92] The season marked Clemson's best run since the 1981 national championship season. Swinney was named ACC Coach of the Year, AFCA Coach of the Year, Associated Press Coach of Year, Walter Camp Coach of the Year, Home Depot Coach of the Year, and the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award.[93][94][95][96][97][98] The 2015 Tigers set a record for single-season wins under Swinney with 14.[99] Clemson ended the season ranked #2 in both the Associated Press and Coaches Polls.[100]
2016 season
[edit]On April 12, 2016, Swinney signed a six-year contract extension with the Tigers.[101] Swinney once again recorded a banner season as Clemson's coach, leading the Tigers to a 12–1 regular season record and another ACC Championship, the third in Swinney's career.[102][103] Clemson posted big wins during the 2016 season over #3 Louisville at home and #12 Florida State on the road.[104][105] Their only loss of the year was to the Pitt Panthers, losing on a last second field goal and snapping their 15-game home winning streak.[106] Swinney punctuated the regular season with a 56–7 home victory over arch-rival South Carolina, the largest margin of victory over the Gamecocks in Swinney's career and the largest in over 100 years in the history of the storied rivalry.[107] Following Clemson's ACC Championship win over #19 Virginia Tech, the Tigers secured the #2 seed in the College Football Playoff.[108] On December 31, in the College Football Playoff Semifinals at the Fiesta Bowl, Swinney and the Tigers defeated #3 Ohio State 31–0 in Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer's first career shut-out to set up a rematch of the 2015 National Championship against #1 Alabama.[109] On January 9, 2017, Swinney led the Tigers to a 35–31 comeback win over Alabama to capture the national championship.[110] The victory gave Clemson their first national championship since the 1981 season.[111] For the second time, Swinney earned the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award.[112]
2017 season
[edit]Coming off of the national championship season from the year before, Clemson and Swinney looked to fill big shoes with the loss of many offensive starters, including standout quarterback Deshaun Watson who entered the NFL Draft. However, the Tigers once again rose to national prominence with a 12–1 regular season record and their third ACC Championship in a row.[113][114] Clemson dominated #7 Miami 38–3 in the ACC Championship and secured the #1 seed in the College Football Playoffs.[115] The Tigers posted big wins in the season with a 14–6 win over #13 Auburn,[116] a 47–21 victory over #14 Louisville,[117] and a 31–17 win over #12 Virginia Tech.[118] Later in the season, Swinney earned his 97th career win at Clemson, vaulting him past Danny Ford to become the second-winningest coach in school history.[119]
Swinney capped off the regular season with another convincing win over rival South Carolina, 34–10, marking his fourth win in a row over the Gamecocks.[120] The Tigers faced #4 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl for the first round of the College Football Playoffs. Alabama defeated Clemson 24–6.[121] Clemson finished #4 overall in the final standings and were ranked in the top 10 throughout the entire 2017 season.[122]
2018 season
[edit]Clemson started off the 2018 season ranked second in the nation in the AP Poll and Coaches Poll.[123][124] The 2018 Tigers opened the season with a 48–7 victory over Furman.[125] Clemson survived a close 28–26 result in the following game against Texas A&M.[126] Following a 38–7 victory over Georgia Southern, Clemson opened ACC play with a 49–21 victory over Georgia Tech.[127][128] Following a 27–23 victory over Syracuse, Clemson defeated Wake Forest 63–3.[129][130] In the following game against #16 NC State, Clemson won 41–17.[131] Clemson dominated in their next two games, a 59–10 victory over Florida State and a 77–16 victory over Louisville.[132][133] Clemson closed out the regular season with victories over #17 Boston College, Duke, and South Carolina.[134][135][136] Clemson qualified for the ACC Championship and defeated Pitt 42–10 to win their fourth consecutive conference championship.[137]
Clemson qualified for the College Football Playoff as the #2-seed.[138] In the College Football Playoff Semifinals, the Tigers faced off against undefeated #3 Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl and won 30–3.[139] Clemson finished the season undefeated and won the 2019 College Football Playoff national championship, defeating Alabama 44–16 to win the school their third national championship and Swinney's second.[140] Clemson was the first team to go 15–0 in modern history and the first in college football history since the 1897 Penn Quakers football team, which led some pundits to say that the 2018 Tigers are the greatest college football team of all time.[141][142][143][144][145] Swinney was named ACC Coach of the Year and the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year for the 2018 season.[146][147]
2019 season
[edit]Swinney's 2019 Tigers picked up where the previous year's team left off, running the table, including wins over Southeastern Conference opponents Texas A&M and South Carolina.[148][149] The one close call came in Clemson's fifth game, a 21–20 road win over Mack Brown's North Carolina Tar Heels.[150] They won their final seven regular season games by an average scoring margin of 41.7 points, and their streak of six straight wins by 35 points or more is the longest such streak of the modern era.[151] The 2019 Tigers held all twelve of their regular season opponents under 300 yards of total offense,[152] and they finished the season allowing the fewest points (10.6) and yards (244.7) per game in the country.[153] Swinney won his fifth straight ACC Championship (and sixth overall) with a dismantling of Virginia in the championship game (although they were unable to hold Virginia under 300 yards of total offense [387]).[154] The 62–17 final score brought the above-mentioned streak to seven. On December 8, 2019, Clemson was named the No. 3 seed in the College Football Playoff and slated to meet No. 2-seed Ohio State in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl. They defeated the Buckeyes, 29–23, to advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 13, 2020.[155] They lost the national title game to the LSU Tigers by a score of 42–25.[156] LSU's victory snapped a 29-game winning streak for Clemson.[157] The streak was tied for the longest in ACC history.[158]
2020 season
[edit]The 2020 Tigers played a shortened schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[159] The Tigers opened the 2020 season as the top-ranked team in the nation in the AP Poll and Coaches Poll.[160] The Tigers started the season with a 7–0 record. On November 7, Clemson lost to #4 Notre Dame on the road in double overtime without Trevor Lawrence, who missed the game due to COVID-19 protocols.[161][162] Following the loss, Clemson won their last two games to finish 9–1.[163] The Tigers avenged their earlier loss, beating Notre Dame in the ACC Championship Game 34–10 to secure a sixth straight conference crown and a tenth win for a tenth straight season.[164] The season ended with a loss in the 2021 Sugar Bowl, the College Football Playoff Semifinal, to the Ohio State by a score of 49–28.[165][166]
2021 season
[edit]Swinney and Clemson started off the 2021 season ranked third in the AP Poll.[167] The Tigers suffered an early setback with a 10–3 loss to #5 Georgia.[168] Following a 49–3 win over South Carolina State and a narrow 14–8 win over Georgia Tech, Clemson suffered a 27–21 loss to North Carolina State to drop to #25 in the poll.[169][170][171] Following a close victory over Boston College, Clemson dropped out of the Top 25 for the first time since 2014.[172] Following a 17–14 victory over Syracuse and a 27–17 loss to #23 Pitt, Clemson went on a five-game winning streak to close out the regular season.[167][173][174] In that stretch was a 48–27 victory over #13 Wake Forest.[175] Clemson returned to the Top 25 ranking for their bowl game.[167] In the 2021 season, Swinney led the Tigers to a 10–3 record that culminated with a 20–13 victory over Iowa State in the Cheez-It Bowl and a final ranking of #14.[176][177][167]
2022 season
[edit]On September 8, 2022, Swinney signed a contract extension through 2031 worth $115 million.[178] The Tigers recorded a 8–0 start and a #5 ranking before falling to Notre Dame 35–14 on November 5.[179] The Tigers remained in contention for the College Football Playoff until the regular season finale against rival South Carolina, where the Tigers lost 31–30. The loss to the Gamecocks marked the first for Clemson in the rivalry since 2013.[180] The Tigers won the ACC Championship over #24 North Carolina 39–10.[181] The Tigers ended up in the Orange Bowl, where they lost 31–14 to #6 Tennessee.[182] In the 2022 season, Swinney led the Tigers to a 11–3 record.[183] For Swinney, the 2022 season marked Clemson's 12th consecutive campaign with at least ten wins, joining Bobby Bowden and Nick Saban as the only coaches to accomplish the feat.[184]
2023 season
[edit]Swinney and the Tigers started the 2023 season with #9 ranking in the AP Poll.[185] The team dropped the season opener to Duke in a 28–7 loss.[186] Clemson won their next two games over Charleston Southern and FAU before dropping a 31–24 overtime result to #4 Florida State.[187][188][189] Tigers split their next four games to sit at 4–4.[190] Swinney led the team to a five-game winning streak to close out the season. The winning streak saw ranked victories over Notre Dame and North Carolina to go with a Gator Bowl victory over Kentucky.[191][192][193]
Personal life
[edit]Swinney's nickname "Dabo" was given to him as an infant by his brother, Tripp, who would try to enunciate "that boy" when referring to Swinney.[194]
Swinney converted to Christianity when he was 16 years old, saying, "And that was a game-changer for me. That's really become the foundation of my life."[195] Swinney has also said, "Coaching makes some of the things I've experienced in my life make sense to me. It allows me to use my life experiences to impact young people and to serve God through what I do. I'm very passionate about seeing young people graduate, mature and develop.".[196]
He is married to his high school sweetheart Kathleen Swinney, with whom he has three sons, and resides in Clemson, South Carolina.[197][9]
Head coaching record
[edit]Year | Team | Overall | Conference | Standing | Bowl/playoffs | Coaches# | AP° | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Clemson Tigers (Atlantic Coast Conference) (2008–present) | |||||||||
2008 | Clemson | 4–3[A 1] | 3–2 | T–3rd (Atlantic) | L Gator | ||||
2009 | Clemson | 9–5 | 6–2 | 1st (Atlantic) | W Music City | 24 | |||
2010 | Clemson | 6–7 | 4–4 | T–4th (Atlantic) | L Meineke Car Care | ||||
2011 | Clemson | 10–4 | 6–2 | 1st (Atlantic) | L Orange† | 22 | 22 | ||
2012 | Clemson | 11–2 | 7–1 | T–1st (Atlantic) | W Chick-fil-A | 9 | 11 | ||
2013 | Clemson | 11–2 | 7–1 | 2nd (Atlantic) | W Orange† | 7 | 8 | ||
2014 | Clemson | 10–3 | 6–2 | 2nd (Atlantic) | W Russell Athletic | 15 | 15 | ||
2015 | Clemson | 14–1 | 8–0 | 1st (Atlantic) | W Orange†, L CFP NCG† | 2 | 2 | ||
2016 | Clemson | 14–1 | 7–1 | 1st (Atlantic) | W Fiesta†, W CFP NCG† | 1 | 1 | ||
2017 | Clemson | 12–2 | 7–1 | 1st (Atlantic) | L Sugar† | 4 | 4 | ||
2018 | Clemson | 15–0 | 8–0 | 1st (Atlantic) | W Cotton†, W CFP NCG† | 1 | 1 | ||
2019 | Clemson | 14–1 | 8–0 | 1st (Atlantic) | W Fiesta†, L CFP NCG† | 2 | 2 | ||
2020 | Clemson | 10–2 | 7–1 | 2nd | L Sugar† | 3 | 3 | ||
2021 | Clemson | 10–3 | 6–2 | T–2nd (Atlantic) | W Cheez-It | 16 | 14 | ||
2022 | Clemson | 11–3 | 8–0 | 1st (Atlantic) | L Orange† | 12 | 13 | ||
2023 | Clemson | 9–4 | 4–4 | T–6th | W Gator | 20 | 20 | ||
2024 | Clemson | 10–4 | 7–1 | 2nd | L CFP First Round† | ||||
Clemson: | 180–47 | 109–24 | |||||||
Total: | 180–47 | ||||||||
National championship Conference title Conference division title or championship game berth | |||||||||
|
- ^ Took over midseason from Tommy Bowden, who resigned on October 13, 2008
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External links
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