Paul Finebaum, whilst commenting on Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers’ current situation. On the ESPN college football show with Matt Barrie, the notable analyst issued a brutal evaluation of Swinney’s current position in the program and the college football nation. Finebaum’s point was clear as he stated that Swinney has lost his voice and lost credibility as far as the Tigers are concerned.
“My advice to Dabo, and I know he doesn’t like taking advice from people like me, is to get out of there,” Finebaum stated bluntly during the segment. “Be quiet, quit talking because he has no credibility now with his fan base”, Finebaum stated (18:42)
“They’ve heard the whines before. He’s become a meme,” Finebaum observed (18:54).
“For a really good coach, and I do believe he’s a really good coach, he’s become somewhat of a laughing stock every time he opens his mouth”, he further elaborated (18:57).
These comments come at a sorry time for the South Carolina-based side. Clemson is now at 1-3 following a punishing 34-21 loss to Syracuse at home, marking the worst start to a season in the Swinney era. What makes that shocking is the fact that Clemson opened the season ranked fourth in the country and had playoff hopes.
Those dreams have quickly died. The losses to LSU, Georgia Tech, and now Syracuse mean the Tigers have a very real chance of missing bowl eligibility for the first time during the Swinney era. The program that was once in the national championship conversation every year is now hoping to survive.
On a more positive note, Finebaum did not give an entirely negative outlook on Swinney’s future. He mentioned it being a possibility that Swinney could find other college football opportunities if he ended up leaving Clemson.
Swinney’s Massive Buyout Clause Roadblock for Coaching Change at Clemson
While speculation surrounding Dabo Swinney’s future at Clemson mounts, there are significant financial challenges that may put the Tigers in a not-so-ideal financial situation. Swinney’s apparent exit does come with serious financial restrictions, considering his 10-year, $115 million extension signed in 2021, which includes a buyout clause of $60 million.
The large financial commitment involved makes a coaching change anywhere near financially reasonable for Clemson unlikely, regardless of the situation on the field.
Meanwhile, the quarterback highlights the wider issues the program is currently facing. Cade Klubnik started the campaign as a strong Heisman Trophy contender, but his recent performances haven’t stuck yet , as he has fought turnover and critical errors at the wrong moments throughout the season.
Swinney’s heartfelt comments after Clemson’s loss against Syracuse, showed how frustrated he was in his heartfelt statement. The feeling in the locker room was a pain that was “hard to describe,” while also asserting that there was “no quit” from his team.
Read More:
- “If They’re Tired of Winning, They Can Send Me on My Way”: Dabo Swinney Slams Critics Amid Clemson’s Early Struggles
- Top 10 Dabo Swinney-Clemson Jokes Cracking Up the Internet Over Devastating Syracuse Struggles
- “Up to No Good”: Antonio Brown Brutally Trolls Dabo Swinney After Devastating Georgia Tech Upset
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