Dabo’s mea culpa: “I thought we really failed as coaches last year”

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney with players during the first Spring football practice open to media in Clemson, SC Friday, Feb 27, 2026. | Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesDabo Swinney is actually talking about what most Upstate residents have been whispering for a few months: 2025 was a coaching disaster. In a wide-ranging, curiously frank discussion with ESPN on Wednesday, the face of Clemson football did not shy away from the difficult questions. Standing on the sidelines of his program’s Pro Day — a day that is typically reserved for celebrating potential NFL millions — Swinney glanced back at the 7-6 wreckage of last season and pointed the finger hard at himself.

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