Following the CFP Loss, Dabo Swinney is Not Considering Changing the Clemson Tigers’ Staff
The 2023 college football season ended on a disappointing note for the Clemson Tigers. After being eliminated from College Football Playoff (CFP) contention and failing to capture the ACC Championship, the once dominant Tigers faced an array of questions and criticisms. Clemson, a program that had become synonymous with national championships and elite football under Dabo Swinney, was left reeling after a season that was far below the expectations placed on them. With many wondering what the future holds for the team, one question that surfaced in the aftermath of the CFP loss was whether Swinney would make changes to his coaching staff.
Swinney, known for his steady leadership and his commitment to a culture of continuity, has consistently preached loyalty to his staff. Despite the disappointing results, he made it clear that he was not considering any significant changes to his coaching staff. This decision has raised eyebrows, given the intense scrutiny the Tigers’ coaching staff faced throughout the 2023 season. The program’s lack of a dynamic offensive identity, paired with inconsistencies on the defensive side of the ball, created a narrative of underperformance that prompted some to question whether a shake-up was necessary. But Swinney, true to his character, has remained firm in his belief that continuity is the key to Clemson’s success.
Swinney’s Commitment to Loyalty
One of Dabo Swinney’s most well-known traits is his unwavering loyalty to his coaching staff. Swinney has built a reputation as a coach who values long-term relationships, both with his players and staff members. This is not merely a tactic for cultivating stability; it is a central philosophy of his coaching approach. Swinney’s commitment to loyalty has resulted in several long-term assistant coaching hires, and some of these coaches, like offensive coordinator Tony Elliott and defensive coordinator Brent Venables, helped guide Clemson to national prominence. However, when Venables left for the head coaching position at Oklahoma in 2022, it was a significant blow to Swinney and the program. Despite this, Swinney opted not to panic but instead promoted from within, choosing Wes Goodwin as the new defensive coordinator, and it’s clear that he believes in Goodwin’s potential to carry the defense forward.
Likewise, when Elliott departed for Virginia, Swinney’s response was the same: he trusted in his staff and promoted a familiar face, hiring former Clemson quarterback Brandon Streeter as offensive coordinator. This philosophy of continuity, even in the face of adversity, has become a trademark of Swinney’s leadership style. This approach of building staff cohesion is one of the reasons why Clemson has been so successful over the years, allowing for seamless transitions when players and coaches move on.
However, despite a disappointing 2023 season, Swinney has refused to abandon this philosophy. The Tigers, after all, have enjoyed an incredible run of success under Swinney. They have won two national championships, made several playoff appearances, and been an elite program for nearly a decade. For Swinney, the future success of Clemson lies in building around the core of the coaching staff rather than constantly churning it. He believes that making drastic changes would not only disrupt the team’s culture but also undermine the system he has worked so hard to build.
The Case for Stability
While many fans and pundits clamored for change following the disappointing season, Swinney’s decision to stand pat is rooted in his belief that stability is crucial for long-term success. The 2023 season, while certainly a setback, is far from the end of Clemson’s championship window. The program has the resources, the recruiting prowess, and the infrastructure to remain competitive on the national stage. With talent coming in from the recruiting pipeline and several returning key players, Swinney is confident that the foundation he has built is strong enough to weather one rough season.
It’s also worth noting that, although the Tigers’ offensive and defensive units struggled in 2023, they were not devoid of talent. Quarterback Cade Klubnik, a five-star recruit, showed flashes of brilliance during his first season as a starter, though he was still adapting to the role. The Tigers also have a highly talented recruiting class on the way, which will only strengthen their roster for the coming years. Swinney has always believed in developing players within the program rather than relying on transfers, and that philosophy has led to sustained success over the years. By sticking with his coaching staff, Swinney is signaling his belief that this program can and will return to its elite status through hard work, player development, and staying true to the principles that have guided them thus far.
Clemson’s Offensive Struggles and the Coaching Response
One of the key areas where the Tigers faced criticism in 2023 was on the offensive side of the ball. The Clemson offense, which had once been a high-powered machine under Elliott, seemed to stall throughout the season. Inconsistent quarterback play, particularly from Klubnik, and a lack of explosive plays contributed to a stagnant offensive attack. Critics pointed to the lack of creativity in the playcalling and the inability to adjust during games as a sign that Clemson’s coaching staff was not performing at a high level.
Despite the criticism, Swinney has stood behind his offensive coordinator, Brandon Streeter. Streeter, a former quarterback for Clemson, was elevated to the position in 2022, and Swinney has consistently expressed his belief in Streeter’s ability to develop the offense. While Streeter’s system hasn’t fully clicked yet, Swinney insists that the program has seen positive progress, especially in Klubnik’s development. Swinney’s faith in Streeter, despite the struggles, shows his loyalty to his staff, and his conviction that the issues are more about player development and execution than the need for a new system.
The offensive woes in 2023 were also compounded by the lack of an elite playmaker at wide receiver. Though Clemson has recruited strong talent at the position, the Tigers struggled to consistently develop the big-play receivers they were known for in the past. This problem had less to do with coaching and more to do with recruiting and player development, and Swinney believes that these issues will be corrected as younger players mature and gain experience.
The Defensive Side of the Ball
On the defensive side of the ball, Clemson faced its own set of challenges in 2023. With Wes Goodwin taking over as the defensive coordinator in 2022, there were high expectations for the unit to remain among the best in the nation. While Clemson’s defense remained formidable in some respects, it did not show the same dominance as it had under Venables. The Tigers’ defense struggled at times to maintain the consistency and aggressiveness that had defined it in previous years.
Despite these challenges, Swinney has made it clear that he has faith in Goodwin and believes the defensive unit will improve moving forward. Goodwin has shown flashes of brilliance in his time as coordinator, but like the offense, the defense has faced growing pains in the wake of Venables’ departure. Swinney is not one to abandon his coaches after a rough season, and his trust in Goodwin’s ability to right the ship speaks to his broader philosophy on staff continuity.
Looking Ahead
As Clemson moves into the 2024 season, Swinney’s decision to keep his staff intact will undoubtedly be a subject of intense scrutiny. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the Tigers’ performance to see if the coaching staff can get back on track. However, Swinney’s long-term vision for the program remains unchanged. He believes in his staff’s ability to develop young talent, adjust to new challenges, and ultimately return Clemson to the top of college football.
The road ahead will be challenging, but Swinney’s decision not to make any changes to his coaching staff suggests that he is looking beyond a single disappointing season. For Swinney, it is about building a sustainable culture of success rather than chasing quick fixes. With talented recruits, a strong fan base, and a coaching staff that has proven its worth in the past, Clemson remains one of the premier programs in college football.
Swinney’s decision to remain loyal to his coaching staff is an embodiment of the philosophy that has brought Clemson to the top. Whether or not this approach will yield immediate results in 2024 is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Dabo Swinney is confident in the future of Clemson football and is committed to keeping his staff in place as they work to restore the Tigers to their rightful place among the elite.
