Tigers' United Front

CLEMSON -- Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Tuesday that a characterization of a verbal exchange with offensive coordinator Billy Napier and reports that he frequently overrides play calls "are far from accurate."

Swinney said while he demonstratively "encouraged" Napier during practice last week, he was more vocal in addressing all his coaches and players in an attempt create a sense of urgency.

He went on to describe his game-day approach as that as a game manager. He said he rarely changes play calls.

"I have a great relationship with Billy," Swinney said. "All this stuff is just amazing. I've had people call and tell me there was some fight on our practice field, all this craziness.

"There comes a time when you need to motivate your coaches and challenge them. Everybody wants to write about me and Billy, but what about me and (Danny) Pearman, and Coach (Brad) Scott and Coach (Andre) Powell and Coach (Kevin) Steele? I got a piece of all them, too,

and every one of the players. Football practice sometimes isn't for the faint of heart."

Swinney and Napier each downplayed the exchange Tuesday, showing a united front.

They said the nature of the reprimands might have been misunderstood by some of the parties invited to watch practice last Wednesday, guests which included the Clemson band.

"It was no big deal," Napier said of the exchange with Swinney. "(There were) people at practice that weren't used to being there. It's probably a little surprising some of the things they see. It is a competitive sport, an intense sport.

"Coach Swinney has to do his job as a head coach, not only motivating his players but his coaches. It was a very intense open date Wednesday practice. It was very typical of some we have had around here."

The reports originated from The Avenue of Champions blog. The report claims Swinney changes 15 to 25 plays a game, intervention claimed to be largely "ineffective."

Swinney refuted that Tuesday.

"I've probably overridden three calls in five ball games," said Swinney, who signals in plays. "I can assure you I don't override play calls. I manage the game. I may say let's run it or 'Hey, Billy, let's take a shot.'

"We work all week on a game plan. We work on a call sheet … you are not randomly calling plays."

Napier said the game plan and scripting process are "collaborative."

Swinney also said the staff is on the same page in regard to offensive philosophy and personnel tweaks necessary to boost an offense that ranks 102nd out of 120 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Napier said the level of internal debate is normal, "like any profession."

Last week, Napier touted tight end Dwayne Allen as a potential source of offensive production, while Swinney seemed cool to the idea.

On Tuesday, Swinney included Allen among the players he has to be fair to and a player who has to get involved.

Some continue to question the Clemson staff's offensive credentials, as Swinney is a 39-year-old inexperienced head coach and Napier, only 30, is essentially a rookie play-caller.

Some have also questioned Napier's autonomy, surmising he was hired to allow Swinney to place his fingerprints on the offense.

"Coach Swinney and I have a good relationship," Napier said. "(Swinney) does a good job managing the game.

"(Swinney veto power) hasn't been a problem."

Reach Travis Sawchik at tsawchik@postandcourier.com.and check out his Clemson blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/tiger_tracks.