Dabo Swinney asked if he’ll pull a ‘Nick Saban’ as college football changes

Longtime Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney admits college football is facing plenty of challenges, but those issues haven’t changed his desire to remain on the sidelines.

During an interview with national radio host Dan Sileo, Swinney was asked whether he has ever considered following Nick Saban’s path and stepping away from coaching because of the sport’s rapidly changing landscape. Swinney quickly dismissed the idea, saying the current environment is exactly why experienced coaches are needed.

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“No. Things always change. But to me, now is the time where we need leadership. These kids need leadership,” Swinney said.

Swinney acknowledged that college football is dealing with a lack of structure, comparing it to “a ship that’s just kinda drifting in the high seas.” While he believes there’s never been a better time to be a college football player, he also said it’s never been more difficult for athletes to navigate everything that comes with the modern game.

Rather than dwelling on those concerns, Swinney said he remains focused on what Clemson can control. He pointed to the program’s graduation and retention rates while emphasizing that developing young men has always been his biggest motivation.

“Man, I love the player. I love helping them figure life out. I love helping them get better as a player. But more importantly, I love helping equip them as men… You’re a man a lot longer than you’re a football player.”

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Swinney also weighed in on recent gambling concerns in college athletics, saying he wouldn’t be surprised if more incidents surface because of the current lack of oversight.