Clemson makes it official: Swinney named head coach
Tigers go with Dabo
CLEMSON — If Tyler Grisham has only one regret about his Clemson career it's that he has played just six games with Dabo Swinney as the Tigers head coach.
MARY ANN CHASTAIN
AP
Dabo Swinney fields questions during a news conference Monday with Terry Don Phillips.
Swinney, 39, officially had the interim tag removed from his title and became the 25th head coach in Clemson history Monday afternoon, replacing Tommy Bowden, who stepped down under heavy pressure on Oct. 13.
Grisham, a senior, said he is going to look into applying to the NCAA for a "medical redshirt" season next year. Never mind that he has no chance of coming back in a Tigers uniform; he just wants another opportunity to play for the coach who recruited him to the Clemson campus four years ago.
"I'd fake an injury right now. I would do it in a heartbeat," Grisham said. "There are just some coaches you know are destined to be head coaches and coach Swinney is one of those coaches.
"I knew from day one that coach Swinney would be a head coach. I'm just disappointed that I only got to play for him for seven games (including Clemson's bowl game later this month). He's totally changed the atmosphere and the attitude around here. The most fun I've had during my whole career has come in the last seven weeks."
Swinney rescued a dysfunctional, rudderless team and guided them to a 4-2 mark over the final seven weeks, including a convincing 31-14 win over archrival South Carolina on Saturday.
JEFF BLAKE
MCT
Dabo Swinney is carried off the field by his players following Clemson’s 31-14 victory over South Carolina on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
"I'm the kind of guy that had to earn everything I've had in my life," an emotional Swinney said. "But I'm kind of glad that I had an opportunity to do it this way. I think that things happen for a reason. I think God has a plan for everyone.
"I never really dreamed of it like this. This day never really popped into my mind until (Sunday night) when it became a reality. I haven't had much time to think about this moment. There's been so much going on that I haven't had time to reflect on everything. I hope to get that chance a little later on."
Monday afternoon ended a seven-week odyssey for Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips, who crisscrossed the nation to interview a slew of candidates. Phillips was evasive on exactly who the other candidates besides Swinney might have been during his cross-country search.
"There was a tremendous amount of interest in this program," Phillips said. "We had a lot of outstanding coaches that expressed an interest in this job."
He did say that there were more candidates than the ones reported by the media.
DABO SWINNEY
NAME: William Christopher "Dabo" Swinney
BIRTH YEAR: 1969
EXPERIENCE: Clemson interim coach, 2008; Clemson assistant head coach, receivers coach, 2007-2008; Clemson receivers coach, 2003-2006; Alabama receivers coach, 1998-2000; Alabama tight ends coach, 1997; Alabama tight ends, receivers coach, 1996; Alabama graduate assistant, 1993-1995.
EDUCATION: B.S., commerce and business administration, University of Alabama, 1993; M.B.A., University of Alabama, 1995.
FAMILY: Wife, Kathleen; Children, Will, 10; Drew, 8; Clay, 5.
The most prominent appear to have been Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun, former Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin, Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster and Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Kiffin was hired over the weekend by Tennessee.
"There were some folks that were off (the media) radar screen," Phillips said. "I can tell you I'm tired of traveling."
Phillips said that the Tigers' resounding victory over the Gamecocks on Saturday didn't cement Swinney's case, but "it sure didn't hurt it."
Phillips, however, never hid his fondness of the one-time Alabama walk-on wide receiver.
"Dabo has had a six-year interview process," Phillips said. "The conversation I had with coach Bowden about maybe him stepping aside, he knew how I felt about Dabo and people close to me know how I felt about Dabo for a long time. Coach Bowden said this might be an opportunity to put Dabo in that position and put the hat on him and give him the opportunity. I'm confident that Dabo Swinney will be recognized as one of the top head coaches in country when it's all said and done."
Swinney will receive a five-year deal with financial terms to be released at a later date. Swinney, who was making $200,000 as an assistant coach, is expected to make about $1 million a season, a source inside the Clemson athletic department confirmed on Monday.
"Maybe I'll get a little bonus at the end of the season," Swinney said with a chuckle. "We're still talking. I can say this now, but I would have done this job for free. (Phillips) way overpaid."
One of the first orders of business for Swinney will be to consolidate the current recruiting class, which has had about a half-dozen defections since Bowden left.
"We will move forward immediately with a top-notch recruiting class," Swinney said. "I would just say to everyone out there that scratched Clemson off their list. Just check us out. Give us a chance because I don't think you'll be disappointed."
Recruiting junior running back C.J. Spiller will be another top priority. Spiller promised two weeks ago he would return in 2009 and not leave early for the NFL if Swinney was hired. And while Spiller said he hasn't reneged on that vow, he said the two will discuss the NFL option after the bowl game.
"We're going to make the best decision for C.J.," Swinney said. "Getting him back here for his senior season will be a priority if that's in his best interest. Certainly we'll get that Spiller for Heisman campaign going if he comes back."
Spiller said the chances of his returning are greater with Swinney at the helm.
"It's going to make my decision easier to come back because (Swinney) is here," Spiller said. "I know we'll sit down after the season is over and talk about what's best for me and my family. We're going to be professional about it and I trust that coach Swinney is going to have my best interest at heart."
Swinney said the current staff will remain intact for the bowl game and that he wouldn't make any changes until after the season "unless the situation arises."
Swinney is expected to keep quarterbacks coach Billy Napier, who has helped call plays since the departure of offensive coordinator Rob Spence, and offensive line coach Brad Scott.
The fate of defensive coordinator Vic Koenning, who is reportedly a candidate for the same position at Kansas State, his alma mater, is uncertain.
Reach Andrew Miller at apmiller@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
This article has 28 comment(s)
Posted by surfer on December 2, 2008 at 12:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
He beats us and all of a sudden he's righted a "rudderless" ship? Does the sun shine out his butt too?
In all honesty he'll do fine at CU, but the lovefest is ridiculous.
Posted by tgrfan2 on December 2, 2008 at 7:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
From a USC fan that probably worships SOS and Garcia! What have they done for USC? 1-3!
You had better start looking for your own Dabo! Maybe Ponytail would come to USC. He seems to know how to coach!
Posted by theronce on December 2, 2008 at 7:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, surfer, do you think that hiring professional mourners would be the appropriate response to hiring a new coach. Gee.
Posted by Neponset on December 2, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations Dabo on your appointment.
I am not much of a sport, but I do watch the Clemson games (I went there), mostly on TV and I pay particular attention to the coaches on the side lines.
I think the big difference between Dabo and the former coach can easily be seen - enthusiasm and involvement in directing the game.
Lets face it, everyone likes Dabo, especially the team, and we know that he cares.
Posted by dereksmith on December 2, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The ship was rudderless after the first game. Dabo "righted" it when he took over, NOT when he beat the shamecocks.
Maybe the shamecocks should learn a lesson from Clemson & try hiring a GOOD coach & not some washed up, has-been, over-the-hill coaches that should have got out of coaching a long time ago. Did you ever wonder why Fla didn't hire Spurrier back? Best coach shamecocks had was Joe Morrison & they killed him.
Posted by wtjham on December 2, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, SC should start looking for its Dabo you said? I think they already have two choices, the head cheerleader or the microphone guy. Dabo is a great cheerleader and motivator, but will fail as a head coach.
Posted by ashleyriver on December 2, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Again, another usc fan commenting on a Clemson-related article (actually most gamecock fans don't comment on Clemson articles--they either criticize or make some feeble attempt at ridicule)............I wish I had at my fingertips so I could post the media lovefest gamecock fans had when Brad Scott, Lou Holtz and Steve Spurrier were hired. It was a chicken Woodstock in each case.
Regardless, I think most Tiger fans are happy with the end result of Dr.Phillip's coaching search and that its widely acknowledged that Coach Swinney "earned" his job by the performance of the Tigers at the end of the season. I think he's certainly proved he deserves an opportunity to succeed as head coach.
Posted by MongolianReversal on December 2, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This hire will eventually cost the A.D. his job.
Posted by bigriver1 on December 2, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dabo has something very special. He can motivate, coach and recruit. Look out on the recruitng trail now Dabo will haul in a load 5 star players.
Posted by uscsax on December 2, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bigriver dabo has been there five years and Napier and Rumph have been the main recruiters, Napier is probably top 5 recruiting coordinator. Recruiting will not live or die with Dabo.
I tend to agree with ashleyriver, the man earned it. It's not some flashy hire based on what a coach did somewhere else with a different group of players, dabo got hired because of what he did at the school he'd been at for a while with players he's helped recruit and coach. He's certainly earned a chance at success with Clemson. I have the feeling this hire will go one of two ways, terribly wrong and will fail or could help build Clemson to get them over the hump Tommy never could. I don't think there will be any middle ground, mainly because I don't think the fans, boosters, or AD office will allow continued mediocrity, that's why they got rid of Tommy and if it started looking that way with Dabo they'd probably get rid of him as well.
Posted by AFWally on December 2, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats to Dabo, well deserved.
Posted by fjms on December 2, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't believe I am saying this but I agree with uscsax!
Posted by coachken on December 2, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dabo was listed as the number five recruiter in the nation last year. I'll take a good old Alabama country boy with heart and desire over a proven has been any day. He recruited Spiller, Harper, Korn, Davis, Grissim, Kelly and the list goes on. It may well have been more of Dabo's team than Tommy's for the last couple of years. He connects with the players, did Bowden ever play? He didn't just start cheerleading in October he has been a big part of the "Save Bowden" recovery plan for the last several years, this year he gets the credit.
He was given a task and he did better than anyone expected. His only promise when he started was that it was going to be a fun six weeks, he has kept that one.
Dabo is genuine, if Clemson doesn't win it won't be for lack of effort on his part. Dabo is humble, he has worked hard all his life. Dabo is sincere, look him in the eye one time and you will know what I mean. In the next two weeks the recruiting commitments will change dramatically. Its hard to beat someone with a burning fire in the belly.
Dabo didn't give Terry Don Phillips much choice.
Posted by sbs920 on December 2, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
let the Orange Honeymoon begin. . . xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
a loss in a bowl game and the growling will begin. . .
Posted by softbatch on December 2, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
31-14.
Posted by coachken on December 2, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Vic Koenning is gone and the soft verbals are now commitments. Dabo is going to turn up the recruiting heat. Clemson and Nebraska in the Gator Bowl Jan 1. What happened the last time Clemaon played Nebraska with a rookie coach from Alabama? If your hot your hot and if your not, pass the asprin.
Posted by uscsax on December 2, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
actually lc we've won 4 of 5, and considering that spans 13 years most fans just might not be used to it. I think Dabo can make a difference with recruiting coming up, but with some of the decommits, especially on the defensive side they've moved on. With some of the defensive decommits most said it depended if Koenig (sp?) was retained as to whether or not they'd reconsider. Like I said Dabo might be able to make some ground but it's going to be tough.
One other thing, how do you figure Clemson is going to get in the gator bowl considering all the teams ranked ahead of you in the ACC? Just curious. I'd think they'd take Florida St. or Georgia tech first.
Posted by fjms on December 2, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
uscsax, Clemson will play Nebraska in the Gator Bowl. It has been confirmed by many media sites.
Posted by softbatch on December 2, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ACC has a one loss rule. The rule states that teams within one loss of each other can move ahead of other teams. Every team in the ACC (that is bowl bound) either has 3 or 4 losses, so Clemson can go to any bowl except the Orange.
Posted by TTBoy on December 2, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mongo go back to your cage. please come out from behind your computer and tell us who "your" team is.
bashing someone that has worked hard to get where he is spineless. he's won as a player, recruiter and now a coach. can you say that much? not from behind that keyboard!
don't hate or post if you cann't tell us who you cheer for. little stevie said it "i was out coached", do you understand that statement?
Posted by cw218 on December 2, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know its been posted but here is a link
Clemson vs. Nebraska in Gator Bowl
www.cutigers.com
Posted by uscsax on December 2, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't go to the link, what's the talk about why? I think that would definitely be an interesting match up. I was just thinking with Tech being a hot team too and beating UGA they might be the front runner, but they must be getting hard looks from the Chick Filet Bowl.
Posted by cw218 on December 2, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah I think GA Tech is going to the Peach Bowl and FSU sites are reporting they are in the Champs. The Gator Bowl Committee met last night and they were 50/50 on FSU or Clemson... I guess they decided on Clemson
Posted by uscsax on December 2, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lc, might want to go look at my post and try not to be so defensive. Was actually saying we've won 4 of the last 5 over a span pf 13 year, I believe we've only been in 14 or 15 bowl games all time. I like your obvisou pride but you might want to act like you've been there before considering you have against us and show a little class. Just an idea. And before you do, don't generalize me with the rabid, ridiculous SC fan, I'm not that way. Every team's got 'em and i'm not one of them.
cw, it would seem all of those work out well to help the teams save a little money on gas.
Posted by softbatch on December 2, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i will give you credit uscsax, you predicted a big USC win and when that didn't happen, you didn't shy away like some of the others. Had Clemson lost.....(laughing)......I would not have even logged on my computer for a month. There are a lot of good USC people out there, unfortuntely yall are overshadowed by the larger group of idiots.
Go Tigers and Hawkeyes!
Posted by AFWally on December 2, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So is it the toilet bowl the Gamecocks will be playing in?
Posted by uscsax on December 2, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lc, good to see you actually checked your own reference, I never said we'd been to more than Clemson had won, although Clemson's also lost more than we've been in. I guess your view depends on if you're a glass half full or glass half empty type of person. You're right there are some very knowledgeable fans that post. And Wally might want to check that again, not exactly the toilet bowl but the Outback Bowl will do. I wonder when the last time both SC schools have been on New Year's Day, probably back in '00 or '01 I'd guess.
softbatch, thanks, no point in hiding, hell I didn't play in the game I just tried to guess the score. I still have pride in my school. Maybe it's my imagination but I tend to see fans of schools that actually went there are the ones that have that pride and are willing to take their lumps, especially when deserved.
Posted by thisguy on December 2, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
this will be the 14th bowl game for USC. uscsax has been pretty good. he talked a lot before the game, but never too mean spirited, just some good ole fashioned trash talk. the game wouldnt be fun if there werent trash talking. i am happy to see Dabo get the job and i kinda agree with uscsax for the first time. in an earlier post he said TDP and the rest of Clemson wont put up with mediocrity again. i agree. if dabo turns out to be a mistake (which i dont think it will) then it will only last 5 years and not 10. i dont think we will see contract extensions after every season ever again.