Clemson Could Save $3 Million on Dabo Swinney's Buyout After 51-10 Loss to LSU
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Clemson entered the 2026 college football season hoping for a rebound under head coach Dabo Swinney after going 7-6 last year. Instead, the Tigers opened with a 51-10 loss at LSU and immediately faced scrutiny surrounding their longtime coach.
As the game developed in Baton Rouge, CBS Sports’ Robby Kalland reported on Saturday that Clemson could save $3 million on Swinney’s buyout by firing him during 2026 rather than waiting until 2027.
“Swinney’s contract includes a fascinating wrinkle that would save Clemson $3 million if it were to fire him during the 2026 season rather than after it,” Kalland wrote. “This is the fifth year of that deal, and his flat-rate buyout would be $57 million if fired in 2026. His remaining total compensation starting in 2027 is $60 million, meaning it’s actually cheaper for Clemson to fire Swinney sooner rather than later.”
That unusual contract structure would still leave Clemson responsible for one of the largest coaching buyouts in college football history.
Five Largest College Football Buyouts
- Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M — $76.8 million
- Brian Kelly, LSU — $53.8 million
- James Franklin, Penn State — $49 million
- Gus Malzahn, Auburn — $21.4 million
- Billy Napier, Florida — $21.2 million
According to Kalland, Swinney’s deal contains no mitigation clause, which means Clemson would remain responsible for the full $57 million even after Swinney accepted another coaching job.
The contract details resurfaced following an embarrassing opener for Clemson. LSU outgained Swinney’s team 644-145 and racked up 38 first downs to Clemson’s eight, while handing Swinney’s program its most lopsided loss since 2000 and the largest in the current head coach’s tenure.
Swinney has led Clemson through the most successful era in program history, winning two national championships in 2016 and 2018. Last season’s 7-6 finish, however, was the Tigers’ worst since 2010, when Swinney had just taken over the program.
The Tigers will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 12, in a road game against Georgia Southern scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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