Paul Finebaum. © Shanna Lockwood-Imagn Images

Paul Finebaum Changes His Tune on One Major College Football Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated May 20, 2025 12:00 PM ET

Last season, six teams made the College Football Playoff for the first time in their school's history. Several others returned for the first time in several years as well.

The Clemson Tigers were one of those teams that made a comeback to the playoff after nearly five years. Their last appearance was in 2020, but since then, they have lost three or more games each season, including four losses in the last two seasons. Nevertheless, due to the new rules, Clemson secured an automatic bid to the playoff by winning the ACC Championship.

ESPN's Paul Finebaum has had a long-standing feud with Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. Finebaum claims that it is "mostly tongue in cheek." However, during his show, "The Paul Finebaum Show," he mentioned that he is starting to believe in Swinney again.

"I think what Dabo Swinney has done in the last two years is remarkable," Finebaum said. "I thought there was a moment in time where it looked like it had slipped away from him, but I think going out he ratched up his staff, I think he was too loyal to a few people, I think getting (Cade) Klubnik in there was a huge move and I think he finally opened up on his own stubbornness."

Finebaum has been quite critical of Swinney in recent years. Just last season, he stated that it feels like the game has passed Swinney by. While Finebaum isn't suggesting that Swinney is a bad coach, given his impressive resume, he is focused on the present rather than Swinney's past achievements. Finebaum believed that Swinney has missed opportunities to return to championship form.

Clemson is aiming to regain that championship form this year and has plenty to be excited about. The Tigers are ranked No. 1 in the country for returning production after winning the ACC and making the College Football Playoff last season. They are the only team in the nation returning over 80% of their production. The most significant returning player is Klubnik, who threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions in his second season as the starter.

Clemson will open the season with a significant game against the LSU Tigers at home on Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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