Report: Dabo Swinney emerges as candidate for Texas A&M job

Texas A&M is hoping to wrap up its coaching search in the near future, with multiple candidates beginning to emerge. Athletic director Ross Bjork has stated the program is in neutral and the Aggies will be looking for someone to take them forward. Big names are going to be associated but arguably none would be bigger than Dabo Swinney.

According to Brent Zwerneman of the Houston Chronicle, Swinney has emerged as a candidate for the Texas A&M job. Swinney, a two-time national championship-winning head coach with Clemson, is viewed as one of the best in the profession. It would be a monster move from Bjork, with the Aggies once again making a splashy hire.

“One intriguing name has emerged among a handful of candidates this weekend: Clemson’s Dabo Swinney,” Zwerneman said. “Clemson is playing at in-state rival South Carolina on Saturday night.

“Swinney, 54, is 168-43 since 2008 at Clemson and has won two national titles with the Tigers in 2016 and 2018. He also could be searching for a fresh start considering Clemson was 7-4 entering the South Carolina game.”

Zwerneman mentions Swinney could be looking for a fresh start, with the past two seasons not being easy for Clemson. Last year was considered a disappointment, finishing the regular season with a 10-2 record before going on to win the ACC Championship. However, the 2023 season has been even worse, with the Tigers finishing 8-4 at best if they beat South Carolina on Saturday night.

Even with the recent struggles, Texas A&M would envision Swinney as the coach that could take them over the top. He would certainly have to change some of his philosophies, particularly with with NCAA transfer portal and being willing to bring in outside talent.

Swinney has been vocal about NIL in the past as well but Texas A&M has not been afraid to be competitive in the area.

With today’s age in college football, Texas A&M will likely want to name its next head coach as soon as possible. With Clemson not playing the ACC Championship game, Swinney would be available shortly after the final buzzer sounds in Columbia against South Carolina.

But for now, he is nothing more than a reported candidate. Swinney will also likely have the opportunity to address the speculation during his postgame press conference. Whether or not he is a serious candidate will be determined based on his comments.