The Clemson Tigers are having a down year. Dabo Swinney’s team has fallen from a preseason No. 4 ranking to 4-5 on the season. If Clemson finishes below.500, it would be the first time since 2010 that the Tigers fail to post a winning record.
Although Swinney has a hefty buyout of $60 million, there is a possibility that Clemson moves on from the head coach. Swinney even said after the Tigers' 46-45 loss to Duke earlier in the season—half jokingly—that he may get fired.
It’s hard to imagine Swinney anywhere but Clemson, where he has been head coach since 2009. But with uncertainty surrounding his future, let’s explore the best potential fits for him if he were to part ways with the university.
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Best fits for Dabo Swinney
5. Broadcasting or retirement
Swinney has never coached in the NFL and has openly opposed paying college athletes like professionals, so the league likely isn’t a fit for him.
But if he isn’t interested in another head coaching job, why not try broadcasting? It’s worked well for one of his biggest rivals, Nick Saban, who now appears on ESPN’s "College GameDay." The two faced each other five times from 2008–2018, including three national championships, with Saban holding a 3-2 edge. Having both in broadcasting could be a treat—and a chance for Swinney to show more of his personality.
Finally, retirement is also a possibility. At 55, Swinney isn’t exactly young—or old—for a head coach. But after more than 30 years in coaching, you couldn't t blame him for wanting a break.
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4. Auburn Tigers
Auburn is searching for a home-run hire at its next head coach. After missing on both Bryan Harsin and Hugh Freeze -- who combined for a 25-31 record over the last five seasons -- the Tigers need a proven winner. Auburn hasn’t won an SEC title since 2013, which was also the last time it reached a national championship game.
Although Swinney played at Alabama and began his coaching career there, he fits the mold of exactly what Auburn is looking for. For starters, he has more career wins at Clemson (184) than Auburn has had since 2003. He’s also captured nine ACC championships, compared to Auburn’s three SEC titles in 2004, 2010, and 2013. He also happens to be from Birmingham, Ala., which sits just over 110 miles northeast of Auburn.
The Auburn job could be attractive for Swinney for several reasons. Playing in the SEC means that finishing with a 10- or 11-win season would almost guarantee a playoff spot -- something Clemson has achieved 14 times under Swinney. An 11-1 or 10-2 Auburn team that misses the SEC title game would likely get a playoff bid over a two-loss ACC team that doesn’t play in its conference championship.
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3. Arkansas
Arkansas is searching for relevancy in the SEC. The Razorbacks are 55-75 over the past 10 seasons and have made just three SEC title game appearances -- in 1995, 2002, and 2006.
The program seemed headed in the right direction under now-interim head coach Bobby Petrino, who led Arkansas to 10-3 and 11-2 finishes in 2010 and 2011. However, he was fired after misleading the school about an extramarital affair with a football staffer.
Swinney could thrive in Fayetteville. Expectations are a bit lower at Arkansas than at Clemson, after all.
Dabo to Arkansas? 👀 🐗 @38Godfrey plays rapid fire with potential landing spots for big-name coaches.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 3, 2025
(Via Yahoo Sports Daily) pic.twitter.com/lM1ZlhvkXT
Not to mention Arkansas AD Hunter Yuracheck doesn't have direct ties to Swinney, but both were working in the state of South Carolina from 2010-15 when Yuracheck was Coastal Carolina's AD.
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2. Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is rumored to be targeting James Franklin as its next head coach, but the Hokies could need a backup plan if Franklin goes elsewhere.
The Hokies have been looking to replace the legendary Frank Beamer since 2015, but the last two hires in Justin Fuente and Brent Pry have gone a combined 59-55. Virginia Tech has won just four ACC titles, with its last one coming in 2010.
VT also has just one national title game appearance, in 1999, which it lost to Florida State. Swinney has done everything Tech hasn't accomplished, especially in recent years—multiple ACC Championships, seven CFP appearances and two national titles.
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1. North Carolina
The New York Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll earlier this week, and speculation has already begun around Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick.
Although Belichick has dismissed rumors about wanting to return to the NFL, the Giants’ opening could give him a chance to go back to where his coaching career began. He was with the Giants from 1979 to 1990, most notably helping Bill Parcells win two Super Bowls.
At North Carolina, the Tar Heels have rarely won big in football. They’ve posted just seven double-digit win seasons dating back to 1902, while Swinney has 13 in his Clemson career. The Tar Heels have never won a national title, and their last ACC championship came in 1980.
Swinney has plenty of familiarity with the ACC and knows what it takes to build a championship contender without a rich history. Before Swinney, Clemson had just one national title and had not won the ACC since 1991.
The one challenge for Swinney at UNC would be adhering to the school’s high academic standards while recruiting at an elite level. But the school has reportedly committed significant resources to the program for NIL and recruiting under Belichick, and that support could continue under Swinney.
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