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Clemson’s Dabo Swinney Faces $57M Buyout After LSU Blowout

9/8/2026

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Summary

Swinney Addresses Blowout

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney addressed the 51-10 loss to LSU in the season opener.
The defeat was Swinney’s largest margin of loss since 2008.
Clemson recorded eight first downs and 145 yards, while LSU posted 38 first downs and 644 yards.
Swinney said the team must pick itself up.
He left the starting quarterback decision to tape review.

Summary

Swinney Buyout

Clemson would owe $57 million if it fires Swinney without cause in 2026.
Swinney’s 10-year, $115 million contract signed in 2022 runs through 2031 and lacks a mitigation clause.
The buyout rises to $60 million after the 2026 season, then drops about $12 million each subsequent year.
Analysts criticize Swinney’s hiring of Chad Morris as offensive coordinator, calling it a “double-down” move.

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Swinney Addresses Blowout

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney addressed the 51-10 loss to LSU in the season opener.
The defeat was Swinney’s largest margin of loss since 2008.
Clemson recorded eight first downs and 145 yards, while LSU posted 38 first downs and 644 yards.
Swinney said the team must pick itself up.
He left the starting quarterback decision to tape review.

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