If you’re a college football fan—any type of football fan at that, you've heard of Dabo Swinney. Head Clemson coach, father of three sons, an adorable little man with a killer intuition and instinct for the game we all love. And if you’re a Clemson fan (which you probably are, because the sight of this man’s name makes you click on any link associated with it), Dabo Swinney is not simply Dabo Swinney. It’s TheDabo. The man. Themyth. The legend. The coach that gave Clemson one of the most successful—and equally thrilling—seasons in the history of university football. And even if you are not a football fan (or an equally as awful, a Gamecock fan), Dabo Swinney is still someone to be admired. Wherever your allegiance may lies, even if it is in a chicken, we all have something to learn from this incredible man.
Here are the top 5 reasons why Dabo Swinney is the greatest:
Recommended for you
1. Dabo Wins
The claim of two conference titles, four bowl wins and a number one ranking for the main portion of the 2015 season may be expected of a ruthless, stone-faced coach. Accomplishing a 14-1 sounds like the job of someone who is not only terrifying, 6'5" and stone faced, but carries that "I eat nails for fun" kind of impression. But Dabo isn't like that. That's not Dabo's jam.
Instead, he's this guy. This is Clemson's ruthless leader. This is Clemson's killer, the ACC title winner, the Orange Bowl victor. This goofy character who looks like he might be a Croc-and-knee-socks kind of guy. Don't be fooled though. Dabo Swinney knows how to be ruthless. This "goofball" battled off Steve Spurrier, Al Gordan, Brian Kelly. Dabo Swinney can kill you with that kind heart and humble demeanor and you won't even know what happened. It's kinda terrifying if you think about it.
2. Dabo Smiles
A football coach who smiles seems to be a rarity. There's the classic, stoic coach who stands, cross-armed, saying little to nothing unless there is something to complain about. There's the even worse, red-faced, eye-bulging yeller who storms the field and slams down the clipboard, who despite everyone's hopes (especially the referee's), magically never loses his voice. There's the guy (pictured below) who attempts to appear happy, but fails miserably.
What is that? That is not a smile. That isn't even close.
But then, there's Dabo. The Clemson coach does not just "three-teeth it." He embraces the Clemson motto. He goes, "All-in." I'm talking about that "mile-wide-Crest Whitening Strips-bring-world-peace-to-mankind" sort of smile. That "I'm-going-to-beat-you-but-also-be-your-BFF" sort of smile. Just look at it. Aw.
It makes us all smile, that Dabo Swinney smile.
3. Dabo Dances
It's not mystery that Dabo’s got rhythm. The man has taste. He's not that "Macarena," "Electric Slide" kind-of-dad that he appears to be. Much like his coaching style, his dancing is modern. It's hip. it's fresh. It wins. Dabo can hit the whip. Dabo can Nae-Nae. Dabo can Dab (which sadly, despite popular belief, he did not invent). He’s not your typical goofy dancer. He's an expert when it comes to busting a move. Just look at this dab. Just look at that form. Flawless.
This may mean nothing to you if you have no idea what a dab is. But he's not sneezing, he's dancing. If you still are not convinced that this a killer dance move, let's us compare it to the typical coach's groove. Or Saban's "dinosaur".
Yeah. That isn’t even prehistoric. That's just wrong.
4. Dabo gives
Dabo gives his all. He's the Oprah of the college football world. He gives out happiness and gusto like candy. He gives pizza to 30,000 Clemson fans. He gives speeches that equally empower the players and the fans. He gives time and money to a number of charities that range from breast cancer research to funding education for disadvantaged children. He gives grants, he gives interviews, he gives the referees an earful. He and the amazing team he put together, gave Clemson a hell of a football season. And because he's Dabo, he never asks for anything in return.
5. Dabo Is Dabo
In the game of football, there are a lot of reasons to dislike a coach. They may lose games, lose players, perform terribly at their job. Maybe they are fantastic at their job, incredible at setting plays, but they happen to be employed by the rival team. Maybe they have a weird half-grin and dance like a t-rex. It all depends. But the clear fact is that there are coaches that coach more than just the game. They show us what it is like to be humble in the face of success, to be respectful in the face of defeat. They inspire both on and off the field. Dabo Swinney is an incredible man, and the most incredible part about him is that he is who is. He changes for no one. His character is an example to all that is sports. He taught us that in the face of adversity, if you are kind, and if you are respectful, you are a winner. Thank you Dabo Swinney, for one hell of a season, for that Dabo smile, for that Dabo Pizza Party, for that Dabo Dab. Thank you, Dabo for being Dabo. You're one-in-a-million.
