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Alabama fans were heard chanting, “Anyone but Dabo,” outside of Bryant-Denny Stadium on Wednesday night. The cries came after it was announced that Nick Saban would no longer be the head coach in Tuscaloosa.
A number of candidates have quickly emerged as potential replacements, with one being Clemson’s Dabo Swinney. It doesn’t seem the fanbase is fond of the national championship winning leader potentially returning to his alma mater.
This was the scene in T-Town:
Students chant “anyone but Dabo!” in front of Bryant-Denny Stadium. @WVTM13 pic.twitter.com/3MPGDt7WQ9
— Brittany Decker (@BrittanyWVTM13) January 11, 2024
Why the hate for a two-time national champ that donned the Alabama ‘A’ as a player in the early 1990s and a coach up through his Clemson tenure? There could be a myriad of reasons.
First would be that he landed those two titles at Alabama’s expense, taking down the Crimson Tide in the CFP final. The most recent of those matchups was a 44-16 shellacking of a previously undefeated Bama squad that many dubbed one of the best ever.
Prior to that beatdown, the Tide were 14-0, winning all but one game by double-digits. Their average score in the regular season was 49-14.
Still sour grapes from the Alabama faithful? Possibly.
Fans might also be hesitant to bring in a coach slow to adapt to the new age of college football.
Swinney has been criticized over the years for his lack of transfer portal usage and view of NIL. Many believe the changing landscape played a part in Nick Saban’s retirement decision, including Deion Sanders.
It may be wise to look for someone more eager to play the game.
Whatever the case, it doesn’t look like Swinney will be the favorite to land the gig, and due to a clause in his Clemson contract, he might not want it!
The ‘Alabama Clause’ in Dabo Swinney’s contract
In 2019, after winning that second national championship, it was revealed that Swinney had a buyout clause in his contract with a direct link to the Crimson Tide.
If he left for Alabama, he’d have to pay a higher price than if he left for another college program.
That clause stuck in his 2022 extension.
“Should employee terminate early for purpose of accepting employment in another position with duties of or substantially similar to a collegiate head coach,” Swinney and/or his next school would owe Clemson:
2024: $7.5M (Alabama); $5M (other)
2025: $6M (Alabama); $4M (other)
2026: $4.5M (Alabama); $3M (other)
That clause continues through the year 2031.
Now, would the extra couple million dollars sway Dabo or Alabama’s decision if Swinney is indeed the top target? Probably not.
But it could certainly make him less appealing in a group of candidates receiving similar interest from the school.
Bama fans, you might get your wish after all!