After a 7-6 finish last season, this year was supposed to look different for Dabo Swinney and Clemson. The Tigers still have one of the best wide receiver duos in college football in T.J. Moore and Bryant Wesco Jr., and they overhauled the rest of the roster, bringing in top transfers like Chris Johnson Jr., Elliot Washington II, and London Merritt, along with the 20th-ranked recruiting class.
But it still wasn't enough to close the gap between them and LSU on Saturday night. In Lane Kiffin's debut as LSU's head coach, the Tigers demolished Clemson 51-10, holding their offense to just 145 total yards. Swinney was already on the hot seat after last season's disappointment.
Things have only grown louder after the blowout loss. And as it turns out, Clemson could have a way out if they act quickly. According to CBS Sports' Robby Kalland, firing Swinney during the 2026 season — rather than waiting until it ends — would save the school $3 million.
That's because his buyout follows a descending flat rate: $57 million now versus $60 million in total compensation once 2027 begins. This marks the fifth and final year of that declining structure. More news: Dabo Swinney Put on Notice After Clemson’s Blowout Loss to LSU More news: Paul Finebaum Issues Stark Warning to Arch Manning Ahead of Ohio State Swinney remains the face of Clemson football and is still responsible for two national championships.
The idea that they would fire him at all is mind-boggling. He's won three Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards, nine ACC championships, and holds an overall record of 187-54 — a .776 winning percentage that still ranks among the highest in the history of college football. But this is an unforgiving sport, and more losses down the line will only make the reality of a buyout loom larger.
Clemson next hosts Georgia Southern on Saturday before a tough matchup against ACC foe UNC, followed by Cal, Miami, Charleston Southern, Virginia Tech, and Florida State — all before November even hits. More news: SEC Freshman QB Reaches Milestone Not Seen Since Cam Newton
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