Swinney Calls Clemson Start 'Total Coaching Failure'

Clemson has stumbled to a 1-3 start — its worst under Dabo Swinney — and Swinney called the season a “total coaching failure,” accepting responsibility and warning that continued struggles could prompt staff changes. He blamed coaching execution for players not reaching their potential, citing offensive struggles (No. 116 in scoring under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley), defensive lapses under first‑year coordinator Tom Allen, and Cade Klubnik’s regression. Offensive-line coach Matt Luke and others acknowledged technical issues and collective accountability, and Swinney said fundamentals must be corrected as Clemson readies for North Carolina. Swinney said he has no immediate wholesale staff firings planned but has reached out to fellow coaches amid a wider coaching churn and lamented the human toll that has cost coaches such as Sam Pittman, Mike Gundy and DeShaun Foster. Ahead of Clemson’s trip, North Carolina ranks last in offense and passing yards and faces uncertainty around QB Gio Lopez’s health.