Dabo Swinney On Hot Seat After 2026 NFL Draft

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated May 1, 2026 3:17 PM ET

We're not even anywhere close to the start of the 2026 season, and yet Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is already feeling the heat.

There was a time where Swinney had Clemson contending for a national championship almost every season. While the program hasn't come close to hitting rock bottom, there's no doubt he's lost some juice. In just the past two seasons alone, Swinney has suffered as many losses as he did from 2015-2021 combined.

What makes Swinney's decline at Clemson so peculiar is the fact that he has pro-caliber players on his roster. In fact, nine Clemson players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Former Clemson stars Blake Miller, Peter Woods, T.J. Parker, Avieon Terrell and Antonio Williams were selected in the first three rounds of the draft. Cade Klubnik, Wade Woodaz, DeMonte Capehart and Adam Randall were then drafted on Day 3.

Although it may sound a bit wild, Clemson produced more NFL Draft picks (9) than wins (7) last season.

Nov 14, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney talks with the officials during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

Pressure on Dabo heading into the 2026 season.

On3's Ari Wasserman believes 2026 is a do-or-die year for Swinney, who has already vowed to be better this fall.

"We'll win more championships. We'll win more championships. All right? I promise you that. May not happen this year, but we're going to win more championships," Swinney said this past October. "That's all I can say. And I think we have a track record that demonstrates that."

If Swinney has another 7-win season, Clemson fans might be calling for a coaching change.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: