Dabo Swinney, the mastermind behind a Southern football dynasty, finds himself in unfamiliar territory as the 2026 season approaches. Once untouchable, Swinney's armor is showing some cracks after a challenging 7-6 season in 2025, his second-worst in an 18-year tenure. CBS Sports has ranked him seventh among college football coaches facing the most pressure this year, a surprising spot for someone with his storied past.
Swinney's recent struggles, including a string of College Football Playoff disappointments since 2019, have sparked questions about his approach in the new era of NIL and the transfer portal. To revitalize an offense that faltered last season, Swinney made the bold decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, bringing back former Clemson assistant and Arkansas head coach Chad Morris. This move, seen as a return to basics, has drawn mixed reactions from fans who worry about potential stagnation.
Swinney isn't alone under the microscope. CBS Sports highlights several other coaches feeling the heat in 2026:
- Mike Norvell at Florida State tops the list, facing immense pressure after a disappointing five-win season and significant athletic department debt. His job could be on the line when Clemson visits Tallahassee over Halloween.
- Shane Beamer of South Carolina ranks third, having guaranteed a Playoff spot after a 4-8 season.
The stakes are high, and failure to deliver could turn up the heat even more.
- North Carolina's Bill Belichick and Boston College's Bill O’Brien also make the top 10, proving that even a Super Bowl pedigree offers no guarantees in today's ACC.
Despite the challenges, Swinney's legacy remains a benchmark in the conference. With 187 career wins, nine ACC titles, and two national championships, his achievements are unmatched.
Clemson officials may be reluctant to part ways with such a legend, especially considering the potential buyout implications. Yet, CBS Sports lists Swinney among those to watch in the 2026 "coaching carousel."
The question remains whether Swinney will find stability or face a potential exit. As the Tigers embark on their redemption journey on September 19 against Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels, all eyes will be on Swinney and his quest to regain his footing.