The Clemson Tigers went 7-6 last season, which is one of the worst records for the program with Dabo Swinney as head coach. Due to the struggles from the team recently, there has been some buzz that Swinney could opt to retire with the NIL and transfer portal era in full swing. But the long-time head coach isn’t quite ready to call it a career just yet.
When asked if he is considering retirement soon, Swinney, who is 56 years old, proclaimed that he is nowhere near considering retirement, according to Chris Low of On3 Sports. Dabo Swinney compared his current age with that of Nick Saban when the legendary coach was initially hired by the Alabama Crimson Tide as a reason to continue his coaching career. Saban was 55 when he was hired by Alabama in 2007.
“Hell no. I mean, I’m just getting going,” said Swinney. “I’m right about the same age Nick (Saban) was when he got to Alabama. So I’m just getting going, man. I love a challenge, and again, all we’ve done is win.
“Sometimes, people want me to be like this guy or that guy, and I’m like, ‘What’s that guy done? How many championships has that guy won?’ I’ve got 11 championships,” continued Swinney. “The next closest is Kirby [Smart], who’s got six. I’ve got seven playoff appearances. There ain’t another coach still coaching with seven playoff appearances.”
Since being hired by Clemson in December 2008, Dabo Swinney has led the program to two national championship wins (2016, 2018) and nine ACC conference championship wins (2011, 2015–2020, 2022, 2024). He’s also a three-time Paul “Bear” Bryant Award winner, while also being nominated as the AP College Football Coach of the Year in 2015.
Swinney certainly has the history to support his claims. However, he has been perceived as a coach who has refused to adapt to the NIL and transfer portal era. Either way, it doesn’t sound like Dabo Swinney is going to retire anytime soon.
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