Opinion column says Clemson should consider parting with coach Dabo Swinney after 51-10 loss

An opinion column argued that Clemson University should consider parting ways with head coach Dabo Swinney after Saturday’s 51-10 loss to LSU in Death Valley, saying the program’s historic run may be winding down, the piece said.

The writer pointed to recurring slow starts since Trevor Lawrence left for the NFL. The column cited recent high-profile losses, including a 28-7 defeat at unranked Duke in 2023 and losses to teams such as Georgia and LSU, as evidence the Tigers are beginning seasons on the wrong foot.

The column also raised concerns about recruiting and roster building. It said Clemson’s last top-10 recruiting class came in 2022, that several subsequent classes ranked outside the top 20, and that the program’s use of the transfer portal has been limited.

The author acknowledged that Clemson still has enough talent to compete for an ACC championship and that a single loss does not end conference hopes. Still, the piece argued the trend appears to be moving in the wrong direction and that a change might be warranted.

The column praised Swinney’s accomplishments while saying college football has evolved and that the coach may be struggling to adapt. The author stopped short of predicting the rest of the season, saying an unexpected run remains possible even as signs point toward a decline.

Source: Original Article