Dabo Swinney wants to coach: ‘If we cancel football, the virus isn’t going to go away’

Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney is supporting his players’ pursuit of playing as the coronavirus concerns may delay or cancel the upcoming football season.

Dabo Swinney wants to coach and his Clemson football players want to play amid uncertainty as the coronavirus has the season on the brink. Swinney, Trevor Lawrence and Darien Rencher addressed the media on Monday evening to provide an update on their hopes for the season.

During the call, Swinney praised how great a practice they had and how much fun camp has been so far. He then began to speak on how safe they are while practicing and staying on campus at Clemson. Specifically, he mentioned the Tigers had been together since July and had only one positive test since the initial outbreak that led to more than 30 positive tests when players first reported.

While the fate of the college football season hangs in the balance as reports suggest the Big Ten and Pac-12 are close to delaying the season or canceling outright, Swinney thinks his players are going to be protected and safest on campus.

“We all know there is risk with the virus,” Swinney said. “If we cancel football, the virus isn’t going to go away.”

Swinney has a lot to lose if the season is canceled or delayed until the spring. As the preseason No. 1 team and with Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne who may choose to opt-out of a spring season that close to the NFL Draft, it could cost Clemson a chance at a third national championship under his tenure.

The ACC reportedly is adamant about playing in the fall but the next few days could be tense as Clemson fans await decisions from the Big Ten and Pac-12 as well as the Big 12 which is being viewed as the bubble conference that could opt in and keep the SEC and ACC’s efforts strong or opt out and essentially force their decision to opt out.

What’s great for Swinney is that he continues to support his players and their pursuit of playing. Ultimately, that decision will not be made by them. It will be made by a bunch of university presidents.

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