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Paul Finebaum is completely out on Dabo Swinney, questions believers
TL;DR
Paul Finebaum expresses doubt about Dabo Swinney and Clemson's ability to compete at a high level, particularly before their season opener against LSU. He cites concerns over a new quarterback and the challenging environment in Baton Rouge.
Key points
- Paul Finebaum questions Dabo Swinney's leadership
- Clemson faces LSU in a tough season opener
- Concerns over a new quarterback for Clemson
- Lane Kiffin is the new head coach of LSU
Mentioned in this story
Paul FinebaumDabo SwinneyClemsonLSULane Kiffin
Paul Finebaum is once again questioning whether Dabo Swinney and Clemson can still compete at the highest level.
Speaking on The Paul Finebaum Show this week, Finebaum said he has little confidence in Clemson heading into its season opener against LSU in Baton Rouge.
“I don’t have any faith or belief in Dabo Swinney anymore,” Finebaum said.
Finebaum specifically pointed to Clemson breaking in a new quarterback while facing an LSU team led by new head coach Lane Kiffin in one of the toughest road environments in the country.
“It’s hard for me to believe that Clemson, with a new quarterback, is going to go into Baton Rouge and win that game,” Finebaum said.
He also took another shot at Swinney’s support system, joking that longtime caller “Chris from South Carolina” may be the only remaining defender of Clemson’s head coach.
“There’s literally only one person I know that still supports Dabo Swinney, and that’s Chris from South Carolina,” Finebaum added.
The criticism comes after Clemson’s disappointing 7-6 finish in 2025, a season that began with major expectations after the Tigers opened the year ranked No. 4 nationally.
As the losses piled up last season, Finebaum became increasingly critical of Swinney, even saying at one point that “it’s over” for the longtime Clemson coach. He has repeatedly argued that Clemson fell behind because of Swinney’s resistance to fully embracing changes such as NIL and the transfer portal.
Now, Swinney heads into his 19th season at Clemson with another opportunity to prove doubters wrong when the Tigers travel to LSU on Sept. 5 for a nationally televised matchup on ABC.
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Q&A
What are Paul Finebaum's main concerns about Dabo Swinney?
Paul Finebaum is skeptical about Dabo Swinney's ability to lead Clemson, particularly due to the team's new quarterback and the upcoming tough matchup against LSU.
How does Finebaum view Clemson's chances against LSU?
Finebaum has little confidence in Clemson's chances against LSU, especially with the challenges of playing in Baton Rouge.
Who is the new head coach of LSU that Finebaum mentions?
Lane Kiffin is the new head coach of LSU, which adds to the challenges Clemson faces in their season opener.
