Clemson already has its most losses since 2011 following a 4-4 start. Dabo Swinney seemed to unleash his frustrations on a fan.
During his Monday call-in show, Swinney didn’t take kindly to someone who asked why Clemson is paying a high salary to Swinney for subpar results. Per The State’s Chapel Fowler, Swinney called the fan “part of the problem.”
“If you wanna apply for the job, go for it. And good luck to you,” Swinney said.
Swinney added that he “worked his ass off” to earn a larger salary and was “not gonna let this smart-ass kid get on the phone” and tell him how to do his job.
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney went on an epic 5-minute rant tonight after ‘Tyler, from Spartanburg’ asked him about his $11.5 million salary and 4-4 season.
“I’m not gonna sit here and let you, I don’t care how much money I make. You’re not gonna talk to me like I’m 12-years old..” pic.twitter.com/XvjhZDUd2m
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) October 31, 2023
Onlookers weren’t particularly impressed by Swinney’s heated response.
“He’s handling this well,” AL.com’s Michael Casagrande said sarcastically.
He’s handling this well.
— Michael Casagrande (@ByCasagrande) October 31, 2023
“Said many times there’s never been a coach with less self-awareness than Dabo. Starting to think there’s never been a person with less self-awareness,” Wes Rucker of 247Sports wrote.
Said many times there’s never been a coach with less self-awareness than Dabo.
Starting to think there’s never been a person with less self-awareness. https://t.co/SgVUa37Gij
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) October 31, 2023
“Most coaches are cutting promos against TV panelists and meanwhile at Clemson, Dabo is going after a fan named Tyler,” Brian Floyd wrote.
most coaches are cutting promos against tv panelists and meanwhile at clemson dabo is going after a fan named tyler https://t.co/NWT4PtNPgS
— Brian Floyd (@BrianMFloyd) October 31, 2023
“Dabo might legit be one of the most unlikeable coaches in all of sports,” a fan claimed.
Dabo might legit be one of the most unlikeable coaches in all of sports https://t.co/yfhNI8yoYV
— RNIC (@DepressedDETN) October 31, 2023
“Dabo Swinney might be unraveling before our very eyes ladies and gentlemen,” a fan wrote.
Dabo Swinney might be unraveling before our very eyes ladies and gentlemen https://t.co/XrUilP1lu8
— Riley (@Ri_S_OB) October 31, 2023
Swinney seems to be sensitive when it comes to outsized fan expectations. He bashed fair-weather fans earlier this month.
“We’re at a point in our time, and I hate that, where if you don’t go undefeated, you’re losers. You’re terrible,” Swinney said. “And it’s just such a terrible mindset. And honestly, maybe we need to lose a few games and lighten up the bandwagon. Sometimes the bandwagon can get a little too full.”
Well, the bandwagon may be less full following consecutive losses to Miami and NC State.
Swinney has led Clemson to at least 10 wins in 12 straight seasons, but that streak will end this season. The Tigers are now merely focused on securing bowl eligibility with four games remaining.
The head coach will try to shut up Tyler and other critics when Clemson plays Notre Dame this Saturday at noon ET.