Dabo Swinney Fires Back at Clemson Fan Questioning His Salary Amid Disappointing Season

Dabo Swinney went on a fiery rant in response to a fan who questioned his salary.

Amid Clemson’s disappointing season, the frustrations from fans with head coach Dabo Swinney have become more and more evident.

That was on display during Swinney’s weekly radio show, when an angry fan, “Tyler from Spartanburg” questioned why the head coach was pocketing such a hefty salary with the team struggling.

Swinney, who earns an annual salary of $10.884 million, according to USA Today, clapped back at the fan, telling them they are “part of the problem” in a fiery response that spanned almost six minutes. 

“You can have all your opinions that you want. I don’t know how old you are. Don’t really care. But let me tell you something: We won 11 games last year. And you’re part of the problem, to be honest with you, because that is part of the problem. It’s people like you that all you do is- The expectation is greater than the appreciation,” said Swinney.

Clemson’s Dabo Swinney went on an epic 5-minute rant tonight after ‘Tyler, from Spartanburg’ asked him about his $11.5 million salary and 4-4 season.

“I’m not gonna sit here and let you, I don’t care how much money I make. You’re not gonna talk to me like I’m 12-years old..” pic.twitter.com/XvjhZDUd2m

— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) October 31, 2023

“Is this a bad year? Yeah, and it’s my responsibility. I take 100% responsibility for it. But all this bull crap you’re thinking and all these narratives you read, listen man, you can have your opinion all you want. You can apply for the job, and good luck to you.”

The Tigers are 4-4 on the year, coming off back to back losses against Miami and NC State. They face No. 12 Notre Dame this weekend. The team currently sits in 10th in the ACC, and is 2-4 in conference play. 

“At some places, there’s an expectation, but at Clemson, there’s an appreciation. And what’s happened at Clemson is we’ve won so much that it used to be the fun is in the winning. Now even when you win, people like you complain and criticize the coaches and question everything. People like you,” Swinney continued.

Swinney referenced the Tigers’ immense success since he took over as head coach of the program, and later declared that he doesn’t “give a crap” about his salary. 

“I don’t give a crap how much money I make. You ain’t gonna talk to me like I’m 12 years old. You've got to be freakin’ kidding me,” he concluded.