In a bold and timely message, former Clemson Tigers head coach Tommy Bowden has called on current head coach Dabo Swinney to adapt to the ever-evolving world of college football. Now a seasoned analyst for ESPN television and radio, as well as a co-host for FOX Sports and the ACC Football Network, Bowden’s voice carries weight in the sport — and he didn’t hold back.
Speaking during a recent segment on the ACC Football Network, Bowden addressed what he sees as a growing disconnect between Swinney’s coaching philosophy and the realities of modern college football, particularly with regard to the transfer portal, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, and roster management in the age of player mobility.
“The game’s changing whether we like it or not,” Bowden said. “What worked a decade ago — even five years ago — just doesn’t cut it anymore. If Clemson wants to stay at the top, Dabo has to evolve.”
Swinney, who led Clemson to two national championships and has become one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, has drawn criticism in recent years for his resistance to the transfer portal and cautious approach to NIL deals. While Clemson remains a strong program, their dominance in the ACC has waned slightly amid growing competition and shifting dynamics across college football.
Bowden, who coached the Tigers from 1999 to 2008 and helped lay the foundation for Swinney’s eventual rise, emphasized that his message comes from a place of respect and concern.
“Dabo’s built something special at Clemson, and no one can take that away from him. But the world of college football is moving fast. Programs that once dominated are falling behind because they refuse to adapt. I don’t want to see that happen at Clemson.”
This isn’t the first time Bowden has weighed in on Clemson’s trajectory. Known for his insightful and sometimes provocative commentary, he has consistently advocated for embracing new trends in recruiting, player compensation, and team building.
In the 2025 season, Clemson has shown flashes of its old brilliance but has also suffered from depth issues and struggled to keep pace with programs more aggressive in the portal and NIL landscape. Critics argue that a reluctance to modernize may be costing the Tigers on the field.
Whether Swinney takes Bowden’s message to heart remains to be seen. But as the pressure mounts and the stakes grow higher, the call to evolve is echoing louder — even from within the Clemson family.
