Known to many as Clemson University’s football coach, to Clemson students Coach Swinney is much more than just a faculty member.
History:
Dabo Swinney’s true identity is William Christopher Swinney. He grew up in Pelham, Alabama and he did not travel far for college. He was a walk on for the University of Alabama, where he later earned a scholarship and lettered for three years, which included and Crimson Tide National Championship. During his time at Alabama, Swinney majored in commerce and business administration. He also was named All- SEC and SEC Scholar Athlete Honor Roll, twice. Dabo’s first dabble in coaching began at his alma mater while he completed is masters.
Originally picked as a tight end and wide receiver coach, Dabo helped the Crimson Tide all the way through 2001, when the Alabama coaching staff was cleaned out completely. Swinney rejoined the game in 2003, when he was offered to be the wide receiver coach and hold a staff position for our dearly loved, Clemson Tigers.
Since his time at Clemson University Dabo quickly rose through the ranks, and the students can feel why. His determination and hard work not only affects the players, but the student body as well. Dabo became a top 25 recruiter in the nation, bringing in some of the top players for Clemson. When Coach Bowden stepped down after only 6 games in, Swinney was named the interim coach; no one had expected him to take over the whole program. But after defeating the Carolina Gamecocks, winning the Atlantic Division ACC title, and finishing in the top25 after such a poor start, it was safe to say Dabo Swinney would be a household name for years to come.
Ever since Dabo’s takeover Clemson has made a name for itself in the football world, finishing in the top 25 multiple times and being talked about as a current generation powerhouse for college football. But that is just Dabo’s history; the real question is how is he a celebrity on campus?
Student Experiences:
All around campus you will hear students talking about their experiences with meeting Dabo or even just seeing him around campus. I have my own personal experience with him. Last year I was an injured athlete riding my moped with a leg immobilizing brace on, sticking my leg off to the side just to get home. Football practice had just gotten out one day and I was waiting at the stop sign when a bright orange golf cart came pulling up next to me. It was Dabo Swinney. He pulls up and smiles at me and asked what my injury was, what team I was on and how long until I could play again. After answering his questions, he smiled and said, “You’re going to be just fine. Hang in there and everything will get easier. I hope you feel better and wish you a fast recovery.” I remember calling my dad squealing that I had met Dabo Swinney!
- During homecoming last year Coach Swinney came out and reportedly helped pomp the Sigma Kappa float, and others. A student reported the experience as being completely “unreal”.
- There was a video made by a Clemson student showing Coach Dabo with some of his players passing out Dunkin Donuts to students that were camping out for weeks, just to receive a Georgia ticket.
- Not only is he a celebrity to the students but he is a role model and true supporter of the Clemson Life Program. He has allowed students with disabilities that are a part of the program to come to practices and help out. He is the most famous person to them, just because of the way he inspires them. He does not treat them differently, but allows them to grow and truly be a part of something special.
- Students reported and posted pictures of Dabo, Tajh Boyd, and Sammy Watkins handing out pizza to all the Greek Life members, during Homecoming Week. The pizza definitely made that night easier!
- Students will post pictures with Dabo from the end of every game, because he isn’t wrapped up in everything else. He is willing to make the students days.
The Ultimate Celebrity:
Dabo is so involved that he gets his football players involved with him. If Dabo asks players to do something, you see him out there doing it with them. He is a leader for his players and for the University. He truly represents our University on the National stage, every week. He truly is our campus celebrity. He sends students squealing, instagraming, facebooking, calling, and texting- which truly shows that students value him as a celebrity.
This shows exactly who Dabo Swinney is; he is a family man, the Clemson family man. Every one at Clemson is a part of Dabo’s family. The way he includes and treats the students and athletes is the reason why he is a campus celebrity. He is a leader for his players and for the University. He truly represents our University on the National stage, every week. He truly is our campus celebrity. He sends students squealing, instagraming, facebooking, calling, and texting; which truly shows that students treat him as our own star, and we are his posse. Dabo has done so much for our football program and our university as a whole. He has taught us to be “All-In!”
Due to the upcoming game and recent media attention Dabo was unavailable for comment*