When 14th-ranked Clemson battled Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium, it was for more than just conference standings. A victory cemented Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney in the ACC record books, passing an all-time legend in the process.
Dabo Swinney Passes Bobby Bowden Atop ACC Wins List
Bowden, who passed away in 2021, built an iconic legacy with Florida State, coaching the Seminoles from 1976 to 2009 and guiding them to 173 wins as a member of the ACC. Dabo Swinney, in his 17th season at Clemson, matched Bowden’s ACC win total with a dominant Week 5 victory over conference newcomer Stanford.
Now, after Clemson squared off with the Seminoles in Week 6 of the 2024 season, Swinney is on top of the ACC record books for total wins. The Tigers knocking off FSU in Week 6 saw Swinney officially pass Bowden to become the all-time leader in ACC wins — on Bobby Bowden Field, no less.
Swinney has been a defining force in the ACC, much like Bowden was in his prime, leading the Tigers to a 174-44 record and winning two National Championships (2017 and 2019).
Here’s a look at the all-time winningest coaches in the ACC after Week 6 of the 2024 season:
- 1. Dabo Swinney, Clemson: 174-44 (2008-present)
- 2. Bobby Bowden, Florida State: 173-53-1 (1992-2009)
- 3. George Walsh, Virginia: 134-86-3 (1982-2000)
- 4. Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech: 113-47 (2004-15)
- 5. Mack Brown, North Carolina: 110-75-1 (1988-97; 2019-present)
MORE: See Every Team’s CFP Odds With the College Football Playoff Meter 2024
A year-by-year breakdown of Swinney’s coaching record at Clemson highlights his incredible run as head coach:
- 2008: 4-3
- 2009: 9-5
- 2010: 6-7
- 2011: 10-4
- 2012: 11-2
- 2013: 11-2
- 2014: 10-3
- 2015: 14-1
- 2016: 14-1
- 2017: 12-2
- 2018: 15-0
- 2019: 14-1
- 2020: 10-2
- 2021: 10-3
- 2022: 11-3
- 2023: 9-4
- 2024: 4-1
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.