How much would it cost to fire Dabo Swinney? Clemson coach’s contract buyout, salary

How much would it cost to fire Dabo Swinney? Clemson coach's contract buyout, salary.

Key points

• Clemson football was embarrassed on national TV in Week 1 of the college football season as LSU absolutely demolished it, 51-10, in Lane Kiffin's debut.
• 23 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, but it will be a while before we see a number next to the Tigers' name.
• Swinney's buyout at Clemson would amount to $57 million if the university fired him without cause on or before Dec.
• Here is a look at what he is owed in the latter category over the remainder of his contract, beginning with the 2026 college football season.
• Clemson coach Dabo Swinney didn't sugarcoat Clemson's blowout defeat to LSU, calling it an "embarrassing performance" in his postgame press conference.

How much would it cost to fire Dabo Swinney? Clemson coach's contract buyout, salary. Matthew Glenesk, Zac Al-Khateeb USA TODAY. Dabo Swinney speaks after worst loss as Clemson coach vs. LSU.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect amendments created to Swinney's Clemson contract.

After the game, Kiffin informed ABC his scout team scored as numerous points on LSU as Clemson did. "It was about the same score, " Kiffin remarked.

REQUIRED READING: Dabo Swinney: 'It's over.' He could be talking regarding his Clemson career Opinion.

Clemson entered the season ranked No. 23 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, but it will be a while before we see a number next to the Tigers' name. Swinney's team, fresh off a 7-6 season, is looking at another long year ahead of it after the worst loss of his career.

While the Tigers might not face another team the caliber of LSU this season, there are plenty more tests ahead on the schedule, including a suddenly staunch defensive team in North Carolina; defending national runner-up Miami; a reinvigorated Virginia Tech, under the new leadership of James Franklin; and the always-dangerous rivalry with South Carolina.

With that in mind – and the sting of Saturday's loss still fresh for the Tigers – here is a look at how much it would cost the Tigers to purchase out the remainder of Swinney's contract. Dabo Swinney Clemson contract buyout.

Swinney's buyout at Clemson would amount to $57 million if the university fired him without cause on or before Dec. 31, 2026, according to a copy of his contract obtained via USA TODAY Sports.

If Clemson fired Swinney without cause beginning on Jan. 1, 2027, the funds due to him would be "the sum of the remaining base salary and supplemental compensation that would otherwise have been due" to him, plus an amount equal to the royalties that would have been payable to him.

Swinney does not have a duty to mitigate damages. It according to an amendment to his contract that went into effect on Aug. 22, 2023, would be paid out in equal installments over the remainder of his contract. Dabo Swinney salary, contract details.

Per an amendment to Swinney's contract, effective Jan. 1, 2022, he receives $3.5 million annually in royalties, paid in equal monthly installments, for the duration of his contract – as well as performance bonuses and supplemental compensation. Here is a look at what he is owed in the latter category over the remainder of his contract, beginning with the 2026 college football season. SMS Facebook Twitter Email. Share your feedback to support improve our site! Share your feedback to support improve our site!

In short, how much would it cost to fire Dabo Swinney? Clemson coachs contract is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.