The Clemson Tigers are at a crossroads. Saturday night's primetime showdown with LSU turned into a nightmare, as the Tigers were dismantled 51-20 on national television. The loss wasn't just another defeat—it was a stark reminder that Clemson, once the gold standard of college football, has fallen far from the mountaintop. Head coach Dabo Swinney, who led the program to two national titles, now faces mounting questions about his future.
It's been over five years since Swinney fielded a team that looked like a true College Football Playoff contender. CBS Sports recently wrote that Swinney's future is officially "in doubt," adding that he "looks out-matched and unable to succeed in this current era of college football." The criticism extends to his staff decisions, particularly the hiring of Chad Morris as offensive coordinator—a move that many saw as a head-scratching double-down from a coach who has resisted evolving with the NIL and transfer portal era.
Swinney didn't mince words after the LSU debacle. "We got our (butts) kicked," he said. "We gotta go win next week. It's an embarrassing performance, coaching and playing. We're going to have to own that. We can't let that lead to another loss."
If Clemson's administration decides to move on, who could step into one of the most high-profile jobs in college football? Here are three names that should be at the top of the list.
Tony Elliott: The Familiar Face
Tony Elliott, the former Clemson offensive coordinator, is the most obvious candidate. Elliott, 46, has spent the last few years rebuilding Virginia into a legitimate contender. After a rough start in Charlottesville—winning just three games in 2022 and 2023—the Cavaliers improved to five wins in 2024 before breaking out in 2025 with an 11-3 record and a Gator Bowl victory.
Virginia now looks like an ACC frontrunner and a potential playoff team in 2026. If the Cavaliers keep rolling, Elliott could be the perfect fit to return to Clemson and restore the program's glory. His familiarity with the school and his proven ability to build a winner make him an appealing choice.
Rhett Lashlee: The Up-and-Comer
Another name to watch is SMU's Rhett Lashlee. The Mustangs have thrived under his leadership, reaching the College Football Playoff in 2024 with an 11-3 record. Lashlee has two 11-win seasons under his belt and a 38-16 overall record as a head coach. His experience in the ACC, plus his modern offensive approach, could inject new life into a Clemson program that has struggled to keep up with the changing landscape of college football.
Lashlee's ability to adapt and recruit in the NIL era would be a significant upgrade. He's young, energetic, and hungry to prove himself at a powerhouse program.
Kalen DeBoer: The Wild Card
This one is a long shot, but it's worth considering. Kalen DeBoer is currently at Alabama, a program with its own set of expectations. If DeBoer falls short in Tuscaloosa and gets let go, he could be an ideal replacement for Swinney. CBS Sports' Stewart Mandel even floated a bold scenario: "Lane Kiffin leaves LSU after nine games for Alabama, which fires Kalen DeBoer after eight games. DeBoer then goes to Clemson to take over for Dabo Swinney after he gets too distraught over tampering to continue."
It's a wild prediction, but DeBoer's track record—he's won everywhere he's been—makes him an intriguing option. He could bring a fresh perspective and a proven ability to win at the highest level.
Clemson's decision won't be easy, but the program needs a spark. Whether it's a familiar face like Elliott, a rising star like Lashlee, or a proven winner like DeBoer, the Tigers have options. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is on.
