Dabo Swinney's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Dabo Swinney.

Dabo Swinney is the head football coach at Clemson University, taking over in 2008. He led the Clemson Tigers to national championships in 2016 and 2018, with the 2018 team considered one of the greatest in college football history. Swinney is the all-time winningest coach in Clemson football history and ACC football history, solidifying his position as a highly successful and influential figure in college football.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1981: First Major-Bowl Appearance Since 1981

In 2011, Clemson earned a trip to the Orange Bowl, their first major-bowl appearance since the 1981 national championship season.

1981: First 11-win season since 1981

In 2012, Swinney led Clemson to its first 11-win season since the 1981 national championship year

1981: Best Run Since 1981

The 2015 season marked Clemson's best run since the 1981 national championship season.

1989: First 10-win season since 1989

In 2013, Swinney guided the Tigers to their third 10-win season in a row, their first since 1989.

1991: First ACC Championship Since 1991

In 2011, Clemson won their first ACC Championship since 1991.

1992: National Championship with Alabama

In 1992, Swinney was part of the Crimson Tide's National Championship team.

1998: First Losing Season Since 1998

In 2010, Clemson had its first losing season since 1998.

2000: National Titles Since 2000

Swinney's last three bowl wins have been over college programs that have all won national titles since 2000.

2007: Named Top Recruiter

In 2007, Dabo Swinney was named one of the nation's top 25 recruiters by Rivals.com.

November 1, 2008: First Victory as Head Coach

On November 1, 2008, Dabo Swinney won his first game as Clemson's head coach, defeating Boston College.

November 29, 2008: Victory Over South Carolina

On November 29, 2008, Swinney coached Clemson to a 31–14 win over South Carolina, making Clemson bowl eligible.

2009: First Full Season Accomplishments

During the 2009 season, which was Swinney's first full season as head coach, Clemson finished with a 9-5 record, won the Atlantic Division title, and achieved a #24 AP Top 25 final season ranking.

2011: ACC Championship and Orange Bowl

In 2011, Swinney led the Tigers to a 10–3 record, an ACC Championship, and a trip to the Orange Bowl, their first major bowl appearance since 1981.

2011: Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award

In 2011, Swinney won the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award.

2012: 11-Win Season and Chick-fil-A Bowl Victory

In 2012, Swinney led Clemson to its first 11-win season since 1981, with a victory over LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Clemson finished the year ranked 11th in the AP Poll.

2012: Tied worst loss under Dabo Swinney

In 2013, the 51–14 loss to Florida State was the worst home loss in the history of the Clemson football program and tied with the 2012 Orange Bowl for Clemson's most lopsided loss under Dabo Swinney.

2013: Third 10-win season in a row

In 2013, Swinney guided Clemson to their third 10-win season in a row, their first since 1989.

December 29, 2014: Russell Athletic Bowl Victory

On December 29, 2014, Clemson defeated Oklahoma in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

2014: Elite Recruiting Status

As of 2014, Swinney was one of only four active head coaches to have five straight top-20 recruiting classes.

2014: Orange Bowl Victory and Top 10 Ranking

In 2014, the Clemson Tigers defeated Ohio State in the Orange Bowl, giving the Tigers their first BCS bowl victory. The Tigers finished the season ranked in the top 10 in both polls.

2015: ACC Championship and National Championship Appearance

In 2015, Swinney led Clemson to a 14-1 record, an ACC Championship, and an appearance in the national championship game. He was named ACC Coach of the Year, AFCA Coach of the Year, Associated Press Coach of Year, Walter Camp Coach of the Year, Home Depot Coach of the Year, and the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award.

2016: Clemson Wins National Championship

In 2016, Dabo Swinney's Clemson team won the national championship.

January 9, 2017: Clemson Wins National Championship

On January 9, 2017, Dabo Swinney led the Clemson Tigers to a 35–31 comeback victory over Alabama, securing the national championship and earning him the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award for the second time.