‘You Need to Step Away From Football’ — Ex-Longhorns LB Makes It Clear Dabo Swinney’s Time Is Up After Clemson’s Humiliating Loss to LSU
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Dabo Swinney was forced to go on the back foot after an embarrassing start to the 2026 season, as LSU secured a massive 51-10 win over Clemson on Saturday.
As LSU head coach Lane Kiffin handed Swinney a loss for the record books, former Texas Longhorns linebacker Emmanuel Acho made it clear he has no faith in Swinney leading Clemson going forward.
Emmanuel Acho Rips Dabo Swinney After Clemson’s Blowout Loss to LSU
When NIL and the transfer portal transformed college sports, longtime coaches were faced with a decision: adapt to the new era or step away. Legendary coaches such as Nick Saban chose retirement, while veterans, including John Calipari, adjusted to the changing landscape.
However, Swinney has largely refused to do either, and Clemson’s recent struggles have only intensified the criticism. The Tigers hit a new low in their season opener Saturday, when LSU dominated nearly every phase of the game.
The Tigers were outgained by 499 total yards, including a staggering 309-40 disadvantage on the ground.
Clemson also faced LSU in its 2025 season opener, losing 17-10, but Saturday’s loss was far more lopsided.
That performance prompted Acho to strongly criticize Swinney on the latest episode of the “Speakeasy” podcast.
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“Dabo Swinney, you need to step away from the game of football if you are not going to adjust,” Acho said.
“If you are willing to adjust to the times, and I know you have been anti-transfer portal for so long. Hey, Dabo! Either get on the train or get run over. And as it stands right now, you’re getting run over.”
Swinney remains one of the most accomplished coaches in college football and is widely expected to have a strong case for the College Football Hall of Fame once eligible after guiding Clemson to nine ACC titles.
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However, Swinney’s reluctance to fully embrace the changing landscape of college football has become a major talking point as Clemson has struggled in recent seasons.
Acho believes that the traditional approach is now hurting the Tigers.
“I feel bad for Clemson fans,” Acho added. “Y’all are used to championships. Y’all were used to pulling off some of the greatest upsets, winning national championships with two freshman quarterbacks, and now you are, to some degree, the laughing stock of powerhouse football.
“How in the world do you lose by five, six touchdowns on national television with the whole world watching? That is shameful. Dabo, either get on the train or get run over. It is shameful what is going on now with the Clemson Tigers.”
HBCU alum Quincy Avery echoed the growing doubts about Swinney’s future.
“Bout time for Dabo to hang em up,” Avery wrote.
Swinney will have an opportunity to get Clemson back on track when the Tigers face Georgia Southern on Sept. 12. However, speculation surrounding his job security is unlikely to disappear unless Clemson can turn things around with a string of big wins.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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