Swinney jokes about being fired after Duke upset

**Swinney Jests About Job Security After Clemson’s Stunning Upset Loss to Duke**

CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, known for his characteristic blend of intensity and humor, made light of his job security Tuesday, September 5th, following the No. 9 Tigers’ shocking 28-7 season-opening loss to unranked Duke. The candid remark, delivered during his weekly press conference, offered a momentary chuckle amidst a somber reflection on the team’s unexpected defeat.

Swinney recounted a conversation with Athletic Director Graham Neff, humorously suggesting that after Monday night’s debacle, Neff should “just fire me and let me go to the lake.” According to Swinney, Neff simply laughed off the comment, clearly understanding it was made in jest rather than a serious inquiry.

The unusual quip underscores the gravity of Monday’s outcome in Durham, North Carolina. The Tigers, ranked No. 9 nationally and a perennial College Football Playoff contender, fell decisively to the unranked Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. The 28-7 scoreline marked Clemson’s first loss to an unranked Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponent since 2011 and their first defeat against Duke since 2004.

The upset sent ripples through the college football landscape, particularly given Swinney’s decorated tenure. Since taking over full-time in 2009, Swinney has transformed Clemson into a national powerhouse, leading the program to two national championships (2016, 2018) and seven ACC titles. His overall record places him among the elite coaches in the sport, making any serious contemplation of his job status highly improbable. However, the performance against Duke was uncharacteristically poor for a Swinney-led team, particularly on offense.

Clemson’s offensive unit struggled immensely throughout the game. The Tigers turned over the ball three times inside Duke’s 30-yard line, repeatedly squandering prime scoring opportunities. They went 0-for-2 on fourth down attempts, failing to convert crucial plays. Most notably, the Tigers failed to score a touchdown in a game for the first time in 34 contests, a streak dating back to the 2020 season. The offensive woes included two fumbles in the red zone and a critical blocked field goal attempt that was returned by Duke.

The significant setback puts early pressure on the Tigers as they navigate the 2023 season. Clemson will look to rebound quickly from the disappointing start, with their next opportunity to prove their championship mettle on the schedule.