What Happened Between Clemson Coaches Dabo Swinney and Billy Napier?

Jeffrey Fann by Scribe Written on October 13, 2009
ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 10:  Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers looks on against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on September 10, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The hot topic coming out about Clemson this week was the rumored altercation between head coach Dabo Swinney and offensive coordinator Billy Napier at last Wednesday's practice.

This has turned into an Internet mini-sensation.
There are reports of Swinney changing up to 25 of Napier's calls per game, and that during the final Clemson drive of the Maryland game, Dabo signaled a different call from Napier and didn't change the protection scheme, which resulted in a sack of quarterback Kyle Parker.
The reports go even so far as to claim that Napier is often unaware that Dabo is even changing the call. These are stemming from a handful of independent websites that I won't link because they are unsubstantiated rumors, but they did create enough of a buzz to have Swinney answer questions about it in this week's press conference.
In that regard, it became a legitimate story. What really happened then?
During Swinney's press conference he addressed the alleged rift. This has really been blown out of proportion.
Sounds like just a couple of coaches getting into it after a tough loss.
For Clemson, this is a good sign in my opinion. When losing becomes acceptable and coaches are satisfied with moral victories, you might as well hang it up and go home.
Both coaches stated the situation is old news. I can accept that and expect a highly-motivated Clemson squad Saturday against Wake Forest in a must-win situation.
The Tigers still are in the middle of the wide-open Atlantic Division race and can probably even afford a loss the following week at Miami. They can't afford to lose to Wake Forest.
Vote Now! - Author Poll

What do you think of Swinney\Napier altercation?

  • It will motivate the Tigers.
  • The team is close to falling apart.
  • It will have no effect.
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

What do you think of Swinney\Napier altercation?

  • It will motivate the Tigers.

    23.1%
  • The team is close to falling apart.

    65.4%
  • It will have no effect.

    11.5%
  • Total votes: 52
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written on October 13, 2009 Breaking News

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