Dabo Swinney proved Tuesday morning that he still has a little bit of a sense of humor amid his team’s struggles.
On Monday night, a peeved Swinney blasted a radio caller who called him “arrogant” and questioned his $11.5 million salary. When he arrived at his press conference today, Swinney asked reporters who they were dressing up as for Halloween.
Veteran radio man Phil Kornblut said he was going to be “Tyler from Spartanburg,” the Clemson fan who drew Swinney’s ire last night.
“Everyone, including Swinney, laughs hard,” said reporter Jon Blau.
Dabo Swinney has arrived.
He wishes everyone a Happy Halloween. Then asks reporters who they are dressing up as.
Phil Kornblut (@sportstalksc) answers “Tyler from Spartanburg.”
Everyone, including Swinney, laughs hard. pic.twitter.com/fxX3MjkKQW
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) October 31, 2023
Swinney was anything but laughing during his weekly call-in show last night, when Tyler’s long-winded criticism sparked a five-minute rant in response.
“You can have all your opinions you want. I don’t know how old you are, don’t care. We won 11 games last year and you’re part of the problem,” Swinney said.
“I started at the lowest paid business in this frickin’ business and I’m not gonna let some smart ass kid get on this phone and create this stuff.”
Clemson is 4-4 on the season heading into Saturday’s matchup with No. 12 Notre Dame at noon ET.