Dabo's Risky Bet? Swinney Takes Full Responsibility for Clemson's Special Teams!

CLEMSON, SC – Head Coach Dabo Swinney isn't shying away from accountability, especially when it comes to Clemson's special teams. In a candid moment at Media Day, Swinney boldly declared that if the Tigers' kicker and punter unit underperforms, the blame lies squarely with him.

When asked if he considered taking a punter from the transfer portal, Swinney's response was emphatic: "No, after spring, no, no. So if we're terrible, y'all can all blame me, boy, we're bad. And y'all, y'all can all blame me...if one of them don't get it done, it won't be nobody but Swing's fault and y'all, y'all get the headlines ready."

While taking full responsibility, Swinney also expressed confidence in the internal competition. He noted that Jack "came out just a smidge ahead in the spring" in the kicking competition, and that McCune is "another guy that we brought onto the team because we're like, you know what, this kid's got a real shot." Robert Gunn is also "kind of got his hat in the ring as well."

Swinney's willingness to put himself on the line underscores his belief in the players he has developed and brought into the program, even in critical positions like special teams where external additions are common. He challenged the media, "But if they turn out pretty good, write them too. It goes both ways." This bold stance sets a clear expectation for his specialists and a direct line of accountability back to the head coach.