How Clemson coach Dabo Swinney went from unknown to college football royalty | College GameDay

College GameDay looks back at Dabo Swinney’s rapid and surprising rise from WR coach to the head football coach of the Clemson Tigers.

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[roadtoprofits]

I love this guy. His passion for the game is undeniable and he loves those young men in the organization. I’m rooting for you keep setting a good example.

[f.watson]

You know your coach has hit the elite level when your rivals are saying that though they love their schools and are loyal alumni and fans (Alabama, tOSU, etc) if they had kids with talent they would want them at Clemson under Dabo not just because of the quality of player he turns out, but the type of men he builds in the process. I could not be prouder of my school, my coach, my players, or my students!

[briandonald]

I see the impact this man has on our community and our school as well as his players.Just having a great God loving man as well as a helluva football coach.We too deep.

[tigernation]

Suggesting Dabo to be the head coach was the biggest win Tommy Bowden ever got. I love this man. That's why kids want to come to Clemson because of him. Get used to us baby

[pattimiller]

The man that made me fall in love with college football!! Dabo Fan For Life!! Awesome coach; but more importantly, a man of character and heart. GO TIGERS!!

[rexhargrove]

Love this guy so much. No controversy, no infractions … just discipline, faith, fellowship and fun. I played D1 football back in the 80’s and it can be a brutal heartless machine. He’s good to his boys and staff. That matters to me.
Oh, and I’m a proud Tennessean and played for my state university, but love and respect quality character.

[Rebel-Rouser]

Alabama fan here, and I absolutely love Dabo. What great coach and what a great human being

[FreeFallingAir]

Let's bring it home again! This is what it's all about, This man is absolutely amazing. What he's built, nothing short of legendary. Bringing a mediocre ACC team that hardly ever won their division, let alone the ACC Championship (I believe our last had been 1991?), To a team that can compete with absolutely anyone in the country, and in the race for the Nation title year after year...I will always look back on these past years with swollen pride. #ALLIN #ALWAYS #TIGERNATION

[bruhgutus]

Texas A&M Aggie here, and all I can say is that I respect the hell out of Dabo. Put up one helluva fight at Kyle Field in 2018. Can't wait for our next meet up.

[SuperRavensfan]

Who’s here after Dabo and Clemson bested Bama 44-16?

[hearmeout]

I graduated with Dabo (UA, 1993), had some common friends with him, had many friends there from Clemson (including Danny Ford's daughter), and have several remaining ties with some of the coaches on the staff at Clemson (football and others). He's earned everything he's achieved, he runs a class program, and while he's cost the Tide a couple of titles, I can't help but root for him. However, it's our turn this year, Dabo. Roll Tide, Roll!!!

[wantssleepever]

Go Dabo and the Tigers! Congrats for your family, and your team.

[tedunseth]

As a lifelong Alabama fan outside of Saban there is no doubt Dabo is the best coach in the country. He showed another blueprint to become a dynasty. Believe me without my Tide, Clemson is a dynasty. The same year Alabama and Clemson have the top 2 senior classes ever. Clemson would have 3 titles right now. Yes they match up to Georgia better than we do. Dabo recruits 14 players in 1 class. Yes there were 6 five stars but it;s different. Clemson doesn't grab 3 of the same players like Saban. He stays with a guy and develops them. They also get diamonds in the rough. Players with chips on their shoulder or high school team captains for leadership and IQ. It's their own way which proves you don't have to copy Saban. If Saban get's the best set of players then Dabo's gets the once in a generation type QB. Nobody spins the ball like Tua and Trevor. I met Clemson fans at the Glendale title game. Very respectful of our tradition and very passionate. Right now Bama has their best coach ever. Sorry Bear fans. Clemson has their best coach. I look at Venerables as a 2 man punch which shows more differences between the 2 college football ELITE programs. Alabama has the best Dynasty ever going. Clemson has a USC/Miami type dynasty right now. Today is a lot harder to win a title than 15 years ago. Clemson has a title and when you break records the same year with Senior class wins and you have at least ONE title then Clemson deserves a pass for dynasty status. I don't throw that word around. Imagine if they beat my beloved Alabama then you could say 2-1 Dabo in title games over Saban and 2 out 3 years for titles. This title game is Saban's best team vs Dabo's deepest team. This game will be a bloodbath. It's sad one has to lose. Roll Tide with respect to Clemson's fans.

[averagejoe]

Clemson is going to rock Alabama.
tigers 45 bama 17

[bigwillie]

As a bama fan how can you not like the guy he loves his players and he loves Clemson it don’t even matter to me if he did play at bama, he is just a overall good guy and I wish him and Clemson the best of luck 1-7-19 it’s gonna be a good game. Roll tide

[davidm]

Dabo is a much craftier, savvy coach than many give him credit for. All I'm hearing is 'Bama is gonna smash 'em, gonna crucify 'em".

Well, the opera ain't over 'till the fat lady sings and she's not even warming up yet.

[joshct]

The best coach in football. It's amazing how we have two dynasty's going on at the same time. This season should be Game 5, Clemson vs Alabama.

[gerald]

I had a friend who I cared for dearly all he could talk about was CLEMSON! He was from South Carolina. I was from Ohio I respect him he is a great Coach. Good Luck both teams.

[mattr]

It's amazing how Dabo was a nobody and now he's one of the best coaches in college football

[ericsmith]

I remember watching a 2010 auburn game and was hearing how he was on the hot seat but 2011 and Chad Morris really got the ball rolling for him and then from Parker to boyd to Bryant to Lawrence his offenses are fun to watch