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]
Current position | |
---|---|
Title | Head coach |
Team | Clemson |
Conference | ACC |
Record | 178–44 |
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 | 176–44 |
Bowls | 12–8 |
Tournaments | 6–4 (CFP) |
Accomplishments and honors | |
Championships | |
| |
Awards | |
| |
Early life and education
editSwinney'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
editSwinney 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
editAlabama
editWhile 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
editIn 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
editSwinney 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
editDuring 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
editIn 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
editIn 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
editSwinney 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
editIn 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
editUnder 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
editSwinney 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
editOn 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
editComing 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
editClemson 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
editSwinney'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
editThe 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
editSwinney 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
editOn 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
editSwinney 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
editSwinney'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 sixteen 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
editYear | 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 | 8–1 | 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 | 8–2 | 7–1 | ||||||
Clemson: | 178–44 | 110–24 | |||||||
Total: | 178–44 | ||||||||
National championship Conference title Conference division title or championship game berth | |||||||||
|
- ^ Took over midseason from Tommy Bowden, who resigned on October 13, 2008
References
edit- ^ "The age old debate continues on how to correctly pronounce "Clemson" – YouTube". YouTube.com. WYFF News 4. December 2, 2015. Archived from the original on November 11, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
- ^ Kenyon, David (May 16, 2020). "The 10 Best College Football Teams of All Time". Bleacher Report. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
- ^ "The 150 greatest teams in college football's 150-year history". ESPN.com. September 10, 2019. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
- ^ Newberry, Paul (January 8, 2019). "How Clemson compares with other recent dominant college football national champions". NCAA. Associated Press. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
- ^ Long, Christina (October 4, 2023). "Dabo Swinney surpasses Frank Howard as Clemson football's winningest coach with Notre Dame win". Greenville Online. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ "Dabo Swinney passes Bobby Bowden on ACC all-time wins list as Clemson defeats Florida State". CBSSports.com. October 6, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Schlabach, Mark (January 7, 2016). "Dabo Swinney's life of family pain, poverty and love of Alabama". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Lentz, Zach (June 4, 2022). "In His Own Words: Dabo Swinney's Journey from Pelham to Clemson". Sports Illustrated Clemson Tigers News, Analysis and More. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f "Dabo Swinney's life of family pain, poverty and love of Alabama". ESPN.com. January 7, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
- ^ Bonesteel, Matt (January 6, 2016). "Here's why Dabo Swinney brought his mom with him to college". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on February 2, 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
- ^ "Dabo Swinney". The Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity. December 17, 2020. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "Dabo Swinney". Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site. May 1, 2018. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
- ^ Haygood, Sheldon (August 30, 2019). "A hero's welcome for Dabo Swinney at Pelham High School". WBRC. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Schroeder, George (January 10, 2016). "Through hard work, perseverance, Dabo Swinney made sure he was noticed". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Scarborough, Alex (October 14, 2017). "Swinney attends Alabama's '92 title reunion". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "Dabo Swinney Biography". Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site. Archived from the original on January 12, 2017.
- ^ "Dabo Swinney College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on July 1, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Blanton, Al (July 23, 2019). "Built by Bama: How Gene Stallings and a national championship team shaped Dabo Swinney". Saturday Down South. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Solomon, Jon (December 21, 2015). "Dabo's lost years: How Clemson's Swinney got back into coaching". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Heyen, Billy (January 1, 2021). "Dabo Swinney's deep Alabama connections, explained". Sporting News. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Douglas, Quinn (January 7, 2019). "Clemson Football: What would a win do for Dabo Swinney's legacy?". Saturday Blitz. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ a b c Solomon, Jon (August 27, 2008). "Former Alabama player, assistant Dabo Swinney will face beloved Tide on Saturday - al.com". AL.com. Archived from the original on September 21, 2008.
- ^ Babb, Kent (November 5, 2015). "Dabo Swinney was the best shopping center leasing agent in Alabama". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 9, 2019.
- ^ Nakos, Pete (August 10, 2021). "Dabo Swinney shares touching final moment with Bobby Bowden". On3. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Walsh, Christopher (August 27, 2008). "The Clemson connection". The Tuscaloosa News. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson's Bowden steps down". Sports Illustrated. October 13, 2008. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Schlabach, Mark (October 13, 2008). "Bowden out at Clemson after disappointing start". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Dinich, Heather (October 15, 2008). "Swinney ready to move forward at 'full speed'". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 15, 2008.
- ^ Dinich, Heather (October 15, 2008). "Clemson turns to Swinney for remainder of season". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 15, 2008.
- ^ Iacobelli, Pete (October 18, 2008). "Clemson, Swinney enjoy 'Tiger Walk'". The State. Associated Press. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson, new coach Swinney suffer emotional loss to Ga. Tech". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 18, 2008. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "With Pelini Back, Cornhuskers Hope They're Back, Too". The New York Times. Associated Press. August 22, 2009. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ a b Adelson, Andrea (February 14, 2013). "Clemson now a Top 15 recruiting mainstay". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 30, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
- ^ a b Brenner, Aaron (January 6, 2017). "Swinney survived rocky start as head coach to build football powerhouse at Clemson | Sports". Post and Courier. Archived from the original on January 8, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
- ^ Forde, Pat (December 18, 2008). "Forde: What were they thinking with these hires?". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "2009 Clemson Tigers Stats". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "2009 Atlantic Coast Conference Year Summary". Sports Reference. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson at Miami (FL) Box Score, October 24, 2009". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 2, 2018. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Florida State at Clemson Box Score, November 7, 2009". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Music City Bowl – Kentucky vs Clemson Box Score, December 27, 2009". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "2009 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ a b "2010 Clemson Tigers Stats". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on June 28, 2022. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "2010 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on June 28, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson at Auburn Box Score, September 18, 2010". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson at Florida State Box Score, November 13, 2010". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on February 25, 2019. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Boynton, Eric (January 4, 2017). "After losing season in 2010, Swinney thought run was over". GoUpstate. Archived from the original on March 17, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
- ^ Connolly, Matt (January 4, 2017). "After 2010 loss to USC, Swinney received vote of confidence". The State. Archived from the original on March 17, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
- ^ "Meineke Car Care Bowl – South Florida vs Clemson Box Score, December 31, 2010". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on February 25, 2019. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Ferguson, Adam (October 27, 2011). "Clemson Football Coach Dabo Swinney: From Hot Seat to Hot Coach". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Five Prominent College Football Coaches On the Hot Seat For 2011". The Big Lead. January 19, 2011. Archived from the original on March 17, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
- ^ "Da'Quan Bowers College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Atlantic Coast Conference Index". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "2011 Clemson Tigers Stats". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson Tigers Bowls". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 10, 2018. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Merriman, Sean (December 28, 2012). "Chick-fil-A Bowl 2012: Les Miles and Dabo Swinney's 5 Best Presser Moments". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on August 11, 2016. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
- ^ "West Virginia routs Clemson in record-setting Orange Bowl". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 4, 2012. Archived from the original on March 8, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2012.
- ^ Dinich, Heather (January 12, 2012). "Kevin Steele out at Clemson". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved January 21, 2012.
- ^ "Chad Morris Biography". Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site. 2014. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
- ^ "Dabo Swinney Wins Bobby Dodd National Coach of the Year Award". Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site. December 31, 2011. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
- ^ "Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation – Past Winners". Bobby Dodd Foundation. Archived from the original on December 1, 2008. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- ^ "Clemson at Florida State Box Score, September 22, 2012". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on October 26, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "South Carolina at Clemson Box Score, November 24, 2012". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on October 12, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson edges LSU on last-second field goal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 31, 2012. Archived from the original on September 15, 2016. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
- ^ "2012 Clemson Tigers Stats". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "2012 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on October 26, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Dabo Swinney Biography". Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site. January 14, 2014. Archived from the original on January 9, 2014. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
- ^ "2013 Clemson Football Media Guide & Supplement". Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site. July 26, 2013. Archived from the original on August 6, 2014. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
- ^ "Georgia at Clemson Box Score, August 31, 2013". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 3, 2018. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Florida State at Clemson Box Score, October 19, 2013". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson at South Carolina Box Score, November 30, 2013". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Keepfer, Scott (November 30, 2013). "South Carolina makes it five in a row against Clemson". USA Today. Archived from the original on September 7, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
- ^ Lassan, Steven (December 9, 2013). "Ranking All 35 College Football Bowls for 2013: From Must-See to Must-Miss". AthlonSports.com. Archived from the original on July 8, 2014. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
- ^ Brenner, Aaron (December 8, 2013). "SOLID ORANGE: No. 12 Clemson or No. 7 Ohio State will redeem themselves in Orange Bowl clash". Post and Courier. Archived from the original on December 12, 2013. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
- ^ "Orange Bowl". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Bowl Championship Series (BCS) All-Time Results". College Football Playoff. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Tajh Boyd, Sammy Watkins connect as Clemson rallies past Ohio State". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 3, 2014. Archived from the original on September 15, 2016. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
- ^ Rickman, Martin (January 18, 2014). "Clemson, coach Dabo Swinney agree on eight-year, $27.15 million contract". SI.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Adelson, Andrea (January 18, 2014). "Clemson's Swinney agrees to 8-year deal". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson at Georgia Box Score, August 30, 2014". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on April 14, 2020. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson at Florida State Box Score, September 20, 2014". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on October 26, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson at Georgia Tech Box Score, November 15, 2014". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on October 27, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Wayne Gallman rushes for 191 as Tigers end 5-game slide vs. rival". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 29, 2014. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
- ^ Keepfer, Scott (November 23, 2014). "Clemson will enter South Carolina game with nation's top-ranked defense". Greeneville Online. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson slams Oklahoma behind QB Cole Stoudt's 4 TDs". ESPN.com. December 29, 2014. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Kirk, Jason; Floyd, Brian; Keeley, Sean (January 13, 2012). "OU's Brent Venables Hired As Clemson DC After Much Confusion". SBNation.com. Archived from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "2014 College Football Rankings for Final Rankings". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson vs. Oklahoma Notes". TigerNet. December 29, 2014. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
- ^ "2015 Clemson Tigers Stats". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Reed, Steve (December 6, 2015). "Clemson beats UNC 45–37 for ACC title". Florida Today. Archived from the original on May 24, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "North Carolina vs Clemson Box Score, December 5, 2015". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 8, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Wine, Steven (December 31, 2015). "Oklahoma's season ends with semifinal loss to Clemson". AP.org. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
- ^ Khan Jr., Sam (January 12, 2016). "Alabama Crimson Tide outscore Clemson Tigers 45–40, win national title". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on February 17, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
- ^ "ACC Coach of the Year Winners". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "AFCA Coach of the Year Award Winners". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "Home Depot Coach of the Year Award Winners". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on December 27, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "Dabo Swinney named AP Coach of the Year". SI.com. December 21, 2015. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
- ^ "Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award Winners". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on December 27, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award Winners". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "Record-Setting Year". Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site. June 29, 2016. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "2015 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on October 26, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ Bonesteel, Matt (April 12, 2016). "Clemson's Dabo Swinney gets sizable raise with contract extension". Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 24, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "2016 Clemson Tigers Stats". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Moriarty, Morgan (December 3, 2016). "Clemson beats Virginia Tech to win the ACC and punch its ticket to the Playoff". SBNation.com. Archived from the original on January 3, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
- ^ "Louisville at Clemson Box Score, October 1, 2016". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson at Florida State Box Score, October 29, 2016". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Pitt stuns No. 2 Clemson on Chris Blewitt's 48-yard field goal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 13, 2016. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Watson throws 6 TD passes, leads No. 4 Clemson to 56–7 win". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 27, 2016. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
- ^ Palm, Jerry (December 4, 2016). "College Football Playoff bracket, games set: Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Washington get in". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Crouse, Karen (December 31, 2016). "Clemson Pounds Ohio State to Set Up a Rematch With Alabama". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 1, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
- ^ "College Football Championship – Clemson vs Alabama Box Score, January 9, 2017". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on October 20, 2017. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Borden, Sam (January 10, 2017). "Clemson Upsets Alabama to Win the College Football Championship". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson's Dabo Swinney repeats as 'Bear' Bryant Coach of the Year". UPI. January 12, 2017. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "No. 1 Clemson Wins Third Straight ACC Championship". Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site. December 3, 2017. Archived from the original on December 4, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "2017 Clemson Tigers Stats". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson Dominates Miami to Win the A.C.C. Crown". The New York Times. Associated Press. December 3, 2017. Archived from the original on September 16, 2018. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
- ^ "QB Kelly Bryant, DE Austin Bryant steer Clemson past Auburn". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 10, 2017. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
- ^ D'Andrea, Christian; Moriarty, Morgan (September 16, 2017). "Clemson vs. Louisville final: Tigers contain Lamar Jackson in big road win". SBNation.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2018. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Patterson, Chip (October 1, 2017). "Clemson at Virginia Tech score, highlights: Tigers make a legit case for No. 1". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on January 9, 2018. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Vandervort, Will (November 2, 2017). "Swinney honored to be beside Howard, Ford". The Clemson Insider. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Kendall, Josh (November 26, 2017). "Clemson dismantles Gamecocks, again". The State. Archived from the original on June 4, 2018. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
- ^ Hoffman, Benjamin (January 2, 2018). "Alabama Beats Clemson to Set Up All-S.E.C. Championship Game". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 16, 2018. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
- ^ "2017 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
- ^ Russo, Ralph D. (August 20, 2018). "AP college football preseason top 25: No. 1 Alabama tops list, followed by Clemson, Georgia". The Denver Post. Associated Press. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Keepfer, Scott (August 2, 2018). "Clemson football lands at No. 2 in Preseason Amway Coaches Poll". The Greenville News. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Furman at Clemson Box Score, September 1, 2018". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "College Football Scores: No. 2 Clemson Narrowly Escapes Texas A&M". The New York Times. September 9, 2018. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Georgia Southern at Clemson Box Score, September 15, 2018". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson at Georgia Tech Box Score, September 22, 2018". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Syracuse at Clemson Box Score, September 29, 2018". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Etienne leads No. 4 Clemson past Wake Forest, 63–3". CBSSports.com. Associated Press. October 6, 2018. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "North Carolina State at Clemson Box Score, October 20, 2018". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson at Florida State Box Score, October 27, 2018". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "No. 2 Clemson dominates Louisville in 77–16 win". Reuters. November 3, 2018. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson at Boston College Box Score, November 10, 2018". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Duke at Clemson Box Score, November 17, 2018". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "South Carolina at Clemson Box Score, November 24, 2018". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Reed, Steve (December 2, 2018). "No. 2 Clemson clobbers Pitt 42–10 for 4th straight ACC title". AP NEWS. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson Tigers make the 2018 College Football Playoff, ranked 2nd overall". WLTX. December 2, 2018. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Tracy, Marc (December 30, 2018). "Clemson Crushes Notre Dame to Reach Its 3rd National Title Game in 4 Seasons". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 6, 2019. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Branch, John (January 7, 2019). "Clemson Leaves No Doubt in National Championship Thrashing of Alabama". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Adams, Anna (January 8, 2019). "Clemson becomes first 15–0 team since 1897". Clemson247. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "2018 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson makes bid to be considered best team ever". USA Today. Associated Press. January 8, 2019. Archived from the original on April 26, 2019. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Kantor, Ryan (January 15, 2019). "The 2018 Clemson Team That Won Their 15th Game in Levi's Stadium is the Greatest Ever". Shakin The Southland. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Kirk, Jason (January 11, 2019). "How 2018 Clemson fits into the Best Team Ever debate(s)". Banner Society. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson's Swinney Voted ACC Coach of the Year". The ACC. November 27, 2018. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ Keepfer, Scott (January 10, 2019). "Clemson coach Dabo Swinney named winner of Paul 'Bear' Bryant Award for record third time". Independent Mail. Archived from the original on May 17, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ "Texas A&M at Clemson Box Score, September 7, 2019". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on February 19, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson at South Carolina Box Score, November 30, 2019". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Heim, Mark (September 28, 2019). "No. 1 Clemson survives UNC late 2-point attempt, 21–20". AL.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Schlabach, Mark (December 2019). "College football power rankings for Week 14". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
- ^ Iacobelli, Peter (November 30, 2019). "Lawrence, No. 3 Clemson dominate South Carolina 38–3". AP NEWS. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Blinder, Alan; Witz, Billy (December 30, 2019). "L.S.U. and Clemson Reached the Championship on Opposite Tracks". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
- ^ "Virginia vs Clemson Box Score, December 7, 2019". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on February 19, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Russo, Ralph D. (April 20, 2021). "Clemson moves on to title game with 29–23 win over Ohio St". AP NEWS. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Blinder, Alan; Drape, Joe (January 13, 2020). "How L.S.U. Beat Clemson to Win the College Football National Title". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "LSU ends Clemson's 29-game winning streak with 42–25 victory in title game". WPDE. Associated Press. January 14, 2020. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "GAME NOTES: Clemson's Streak is Snapped". SI.com. January 14, 2020. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "ACC Announces Plans for Football and Fall Olympic Sports". The ACC. July 29, 2020. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Senkiw, Brad (August 24, 2020). "Clemson Ranked No. 1 in AP Poll". SI.com. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Russo, Ralph D. (April 20, 2021). "No. 4 Notre Dame sacks No. 1 Clemson 47–40 in double OT". AP NEWS. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Adelson, Andrea (October 31, 2020). "Clemson's Lawrence to miss Notre Dame game". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "2020 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ Whiteman, Marc (December 20, 2020). "Clemson overwhelms Notre Dame 34–10 for sixth straight ACC championship". WYFF. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Staats, Wayne (December 20, 2020). "College Football Playoff: Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Notre Dame lead rankings". NCAA.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "Sugar Bowl – Ohio State vs Clemson Box Score, January 1, 2021". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "2021 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Reed, Steve (September 5, 2021). "Defensive gem lifts No. 5 Georgia past No. 3 Clemson, 10–3". AP NEWS. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "South Carolina State at Clemson Box Score, September 11, 2021". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Georgia Tech at Clemson Box Score, September 18, 2021". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson at North Carolina State Box Score, September 25, 2021". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Luckett, Adam (October 3, 2021). "Clemson falls out of AP Top 25, unranked for first time since 2014". On3. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson at Syracuse Box Score, October 15, 2021". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Clemson at Pitt Box Score, October 23, 2021". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Wake Forest at Clemson Box Score, November 20, 2021". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "2021 Clemson Tigers Stats". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "Cheez-It Bowl – Clemson vs Iowa State Box Score, December 29, 2021". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Adelson, Andrea (September 8, 2022). "Dabo, Clemson agree to new 10-year, $115M deal". ESPN. Archived from the original on September 8, 2022. Retrieved September 8, 2022.
- ^ "Clemson at Notre Dame Box Score, November 5, 2022". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Adams, Emily (November 26, 2022). "South Carolina football upsets No. 8 Clemson, snaps Tigers' seven-game rivalry win streak". The Greenville News. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Reed, Steve (December 4, 2022). "Klubnik, No. 10 Clemson rout No. 24 UNC 39–10 for ACC title". AP NEWS. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Reynolds, Tim (December 31, 2022). "No. 6 Tennessee tops No. 10 Clemson 31–14 in Orange Bowl". AP NEWS. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "2022 Clemson Tigers Stats". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on December 8, 2022. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Backus, Will (November 18, 2022). "Dabo Swinney 'takes pride' in Clemson's streak of 10-win seasons as Tigers aim for 12th-straight against Miami". 247Sports. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Iacobelli, Pete (August 16, 2023). "No. 9 Clemson hopes changes at quarterback, coordinator lead the Tigers back to the CFP". AP News. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ^ Raynor, Grace (September 5, 2023). "Raynor: The debacle in Durham is yet another sign Clemson's reign might be over". The Athletic. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ^ "Charleston Southern at Clemson Box Score, September 9, 2023". Sports Reference. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ^ "Florida Atlantic at Clemson Box Score, September 16, 2023". Sports Reference. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ^ Goeckel, Christian (September 23, 2023). "Rapid Reaction: Clemson falls to Florida State in overtime". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ^ "2023 Clemson Tigers Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ^ "Notre Dame at Clemson Box Score, November 4, 2023". Sports Reference. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ^ "North Carolina at Clemson Box Score, November 18, 2023". Sports Reference. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ^ Blau, Jon (December 29, 2023). "Clemson mounts comeback in 38–35 win over Kentucky in Gator Bowl". Post and Courier. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ^ Morris, Ron (November 22, 2009). "Family matters for Swinney". TheState.com. Archived from the original on December 29, 2019. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
- ^ Sanchez, Lauren (July 23, 2018). "Clemson Football Coach Dabo Swinney Shares Testimony at ACC Kickoff". Crosswalk.com. Archived from the original on January 6, 2019. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Chandler, Charles (October 1, 2017). "Swinney 'All-In' for Christ". Decision Magazine. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ Adams, Jonathan (January 13, 2020). "Dabo Swinney's Wife Kathleen Swinney & Kids Are Big Part of Clemson". Heavy.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.