Another Milestone today in the Dabo Era

Apr 9, 2017, 12:17 AM

Any who read what I write, know it might get a little lengthy. Not for the 140 characters or less. But maybe. Little history, and a lot of appreciation.

Dabo Swinney is the former WR coach that was waiting patiently for his turn to be a head coach back in 2007- 2008. After Bowden was fired, I remember a lot of people saying at that time " who's Dabo Swinney ", oh, he's the young WR coach. He's going to be the head coach? Shouldn't we look for a big name in College? I even heard it on WCCP at the time, not by Plyler though interesting enough. He seemed to be a believer. I like Plyler personally, listened to him for almost 10 years. I listened to Dabo's first press conference, and one major thing stood out to me. When he was asked the question " what are your goals here Swinney?"by one reporter. He looked them straight in the eye and said " win championships".

I've watched that video several times over the years, it still brings me chills. Honestly, I didn't know what to think of Swinney at the time, hadn't seen Him coach. However, that press conference and the way he intently said some of the things He said, gave me hope and a lot of hope for early believer's in Dabo.

Dabo knew in 2008-2009 that not only getting the job as HC and the being able to call plays and hire staff, He would also legendary to bring Clemson the fist National Tittle in over 3 decades. Sure it was Morris who told Swinney about Watson, but who hired Morris? Sure it has been the smart hires of Venables, Bates and other positional coaches that have helped bring in the 5 star player's we have today.However, it was all under the vision, culture and direction of Dabo Swinney.

From Spiller, Wilkins, Williams, Hopkins, Watson, Lawrence, Watkins, Beasley, Jarrett, on & on.

Now, Dabo is truly selling results. With the verbal commitment of X. Thomas today, the #1 College recruit in the nation of 18' & securing #1 player QB recruit in the nation for 18', He has now set a milestone in his legacy IMO. Clemson is realistically setting up for at minimum one more National Championship in the next 3 years. Just my opinion. As a Clemson fan who have seen the " tough years" of Clemson football- I attended the games back then too. I am thankful for coach Swinney, The entire staff He has put together. Clemson truly does have the top 5 ( #1 with my orange tinted glasses on) coaching staff in the land of College football. Clemson is not done yet winning titles for while under Dabo Swinney and the players that He and is staff have recruited. Things are setting up for bright days. Just my take.

ATEch

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I was sitting in Terry Don's box during the SC game in his interim year. I had the privilege to go to some closed practices throughout that year. I saw then how he communicated with his players, and not just his, but all the players wanted to be around him. During the SC game, I asked someone close to Terry Don, who will remain nameless, if they had any thoughts on what he was going to do. They said he was still considering everyone and everything but Dabo was at the top of the list. They said there was just something that Terry Don saw in Dabo that he thought was impressive. They told me that it had been an emotional and trying time for Terry Don because he knew that his reputation would be based on this hire.

I told them that my opinion didn't matter but I would offer it anyway. I said that he had my vote, because I could tell that he truly "wanted" to be at Clemson. This person told me that they knew with Dabo, that it would never be about the money, because he was such a man of principle. They told me that I wouldn't believe the list of well known people who called about the job, and some who had been talked about. They said that the problem that Terry Don had with most of them was that many would leave if the next big thing came along.

They said his problem with Dabo was that if he hired him and he had a few bad seasons that he knew Dabo would take a lot of criticism that he didn't deserve. His other issue with rolling the dice was that does he let him go and then if he succeeds do you get him back or do you go ahead and take the chance now.

Seems like everything worked out OK. Best hire probably ever as far as building a program here at Clemson!

Another Milestone today in the Dabo Era

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