Swinney era nears official kickoff soon
Mary Ann Chastain
AP
Dabo Swinney is expected to be named Clemson's head football coach today or Tuesday.
CLEMSON — As interim head coach Dabo Swinney trotted off the field at Death Valley on Saturday afternoon, he was serenaded with chants of "Daaa-bo, Daaa-bo" from the soggy Tiger faithful.
When asked about it afterward, the 39-year-old Swinney said it was an "awesome" feeling and that he felt like "Britney Spears".
But unlike the pop diva who had a mental meltdown before our eyes, Swinney's fortunes appear to be on the rise.
Swinney met with Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips on Sunday afternoon and is expected to be named the Tigers' head coach as soon as today or Tuesday. A source inside the athletic department said Swinney will receive a four-year contract with a salary, TV and apparel deal worth approximately $1 million a year.
Swinney put an exclamation point on his candidacy for the head coaching position with a convincing 31-14 win over rival South Carolina on Saturday.
"Whatever happens from here on out, I've got no regrets," Swinney said. "I know when I lay my head down at night that I've done everything I can do. I've had a blast the last seven weeks. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.
"I've prepared for this job my whole life. To go 4-2 under the circumstances, I'm very satisfied. The only thing I hope is that I've made a difference in these players' lives. I think I've brought Clemson back together."
Swinney was able to unite a dysfunctional team that less than two months ago appeared to be on an out-of-control downward spiral toward a losing season. In seven short weeks, Swinney rallied the players, coaching staff and fan base, who are now making plans for a bowl trip to either in Orlando (Champs Sports, Dec. 27) Charlotte (Meineke Car, Dec. 27) or Nashville, Tenn. (Music City, Dec. 31).
"Coach Swinney pulled us through everything, a lot of adversity, and made us a team again," said senior safety Michael Hamlin. "A lot of people, a lot of fans, probably quit on us. But coach Swinney got everyone on the same page. Got us to come together as players and to keep working. I think everyone saw the results on the field the last six games. I think he's a great coach and I hope he gets the job."
Senior running back James Davis couldn't have agreed more.
"(Swinney) has done a spectacular job," Davis said. "He did whatever it took to get us to come together as a team and win these last few games. I don't see how they could give it to anyone else but (Swinney)."
The Tigers' domination of the Gamecocks, a team that three weeks ago was possibly heading toward an historic nine or 10-win season, seemed to make Phillips' decision that much easier.
With the help of three South Carolina turnovers, Clemson jumped out to a 24-0 lead and never looked back. The Tigers dominated both lines of scrimmage as Davis and Spiller combined to rush for 179 yards and three touchdowns.
"I think we were the toughest team today," Swinney said. "I'm proud of what went on in the trenches."
The dominance was so complete that even South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier quipped after the game that "we just got smashed. They've got a better team, a better-coached team,"
A ringing endorsement from the future hall of fame coach.
Through it all, Swinney has maintained that the last seven weeks have not been about him, but about the players.
"It's not about me," Swinney said Saturday.
But when the players lifted Swinney on their shoulders and 70,000 orange-clad fans began to chant his name, he was a tough guy to ignore.
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Comments
This article has 11 comment(s)
Posted by theronce on December 1, 2008 at 7:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, I'm tickled that Clemson won its "bowl game" (so called by a SC fan here last week). My one disappointment was in my prediction. I think that I predicted an 18 point win, and we only won by 17. I also think that Dabo earned a shot at the job. My one piece of expert advice to him is to compare himself to someone like John Wayne, not Brittany, for crying out loud. We ain't that kind of people...ask the gamecocks.
Posted by MongolianReversal on December 1, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
2nd rate hire by a 2nd rate program. Mark it down, the search will be on again in three years.
Posted by OldSalt on December 1, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations on your winning season! Did you predict that winning record as well? I'm sure John Wayne would be proud...well, at least Brittany would...and good luck on improving that recent bowl record of yours, (3-7). Who needs any of those talented assistants from true football powerhouse schools, (actually in the top 25 in winning percentage all-time), when you have Dabo! What a coup! I am truly happy everything turned out this way for you. Really!
Posted by sptiger on December 1, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hey mongral.........what does that make your program? SC football always has been and always will be the laughing stock of college football. there is nothing you can say to anyone of the face of the planet that would make them believe otherwise. even the spur himself admitted to being out coached by a better team and you slime your way back on this comments section like the scumbag you are. pathetic buddy, just pathetic.
Posted by PAO1 on December 1, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
2nd rate hire, 2 rate program......so what is USC at this point...7-3 at one point headed to possible New Years bowl.....and fall fast....best defense in the SEC gets embarrassed by Florida and Clemson.....the USC staff sees the writing on the wall...offense line coach fired....recruiter headed to TN...and defensive coordinator leading candidate for Miss St job.......
time to quite hiring ole coaches that have reached their peak....Holtz/Spurrier to be salvation of the program...take a gamble....go after a young talented coordinator, looking for his first head coaching job....take that risk......Clemson has.....but I beleive Dabo proved himself pulling the program together, instituting change, discipline, and motivation....
even Spurrier said some of his players quite on the program...calling out one in particular....this has been a theme for a few years now.....it requires an attitude adjustment....which requires coaching and painful decisions....like not keeping Smelley in all game long..because " Garcia was ready to play and Beecher didnt want to play"...who's fault is that if the ole ball coach is such a great QB coach......its time to move on USC
Posted by theronce on December 1, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sometimes it's too easy to set off some of these guys. Actually, I predicted a 9-3 season. Before this all began, we still had an inexperienced team and the same coach. Without Dabo's efforts, I probably would have missed by more.
Posted by uscsax on December 1, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wouldn't go so far as to say Clemson embarrassed the defense, Smelley was the 12th man for Clemson ,lots of short fields, I have the feeling the defense felt like they were on a deserted island with no help in sight from the offense and they played like it. clemson did a great job capitalizing off the mistakes, that's how you win games. At this point the defense is helpless when not only does the offense struggle to score but they put them with their backs against the wall constantly. It's truly sad that Spurrier doesn't understand what most SC fans and nearly all of college football, Smelley doesn't have it, and however far behind Garcia is in "understanding" the offense he's the better option than Smelley. Besides if that's what understanding the offense gets you out of your quarterback, I'd rather have one in that's utterly clueless.
Congrats Clemson, where does it look like you'll end up for the bowl?
Posted by Rggr on December 1, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"2nd rate hire by a 2nd rate program."
Possibly, but even with our second rate coach, we "smashed" your team and your legend of a coach.
Speaking of a second rate program, did you notice this part of the article: "Gamecocks, a team that three weeks ago was possibly heading toward an HISTORIC nine or 10-win season?"
SSSHHHHHH!
Posted by MongolianReversal on December 1, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Did my post say anything about being a SC fan? Apparently reading comprehension wasn't a prereq to attend Clemson.
Posted by Rggr on December 1, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm sorry I assumed that. I just didn't think you were acting like that for no reason. At least USC fans that post things like that are our rivals.
Posted by cw218 on December 1, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
uscsax, we will probably end up in one of the Champs Sports, Music City, or Meineke Car Care Bowls most likely. There is still a small chance we could be picked to go to the Gator Bowl. A lot will depend on who is the winner of the ACC Championship game (BC does not travel well and will drop in the bowl pecking order if they lose- like last year)