Swinney gets it—it's about the fans

It is probably a fair assessment that nearly every one of his 120 postgame press conferences, teleconferences and meetings with the media have involved one thing—thanking the fans.

CLEMSON—Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney just gets it. 

It is probably a fair assessment that nearly every one of his 120 postgame press conferences, teleconferences and meetings with the media have involved one thing—thanking the fans.

And that did not change following the Tigers 52-10 win over Charlotte Saturday.

'Just another good win. It started with our crowd and our environment, a lot of energy in our stadium," Swinney said. "Our players draw from that. It was just a great night, a fun game and fun to see so many guys get an opportunity to play."

In a day and age when colleges are fighting the draw of apathy, 50-inch, high definition TVs, increasing ticket prices, traffic and the allure of sitting in your favorite recliner and not having to wait in long lines to use the restroom, Swinney get it.

One need only look at fellow ACC foe, Florida State, for an example of how quick the fans can turn from rabid to absent.

Florida State, which won a third national title in 2013, finished last season with a losing record, going 5-7. However, it was Saturday's game against Louisville which drew the attention of the entire nation.

On Saturday, the announced attendance for FSU's 3:30 p.m. kickoff against Louisville was 46,530. The Seminoles played in front of the smallest crowd at Doak S. Campbell Stadium since 42,117 on Oct. 20, 1983 against Louisville.

Doak Campbell 15 minutes before kickoff against Louisville... pic.twitter.com/xw28Oir0xV

— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) September 21, 2019

While the Seminoles and many others around the country are struggling to fill their stadiums, the Tigers hosted the 49ers Saturday night in front of a sold-out Death Valley.

"Excited to be back in Death Valley this week," Swinney said prior to the game. "I really appreciate our fans for such amazing support. We're going to have another sellout. I see a lot of empty stadiums in college football but not here."

He continued his praise after the Tigers victory.

"Awesome crowd just an unbelievable environment," Swinney said. "You know, sellout and just just a beautiful night.

Even after Swinney became the highest paid coach in college football this past offseason, Swinney once again used his platform to thank the people who, in part, pay for his enormous 10-year, $93-million salary.

'I want to thank the entire Clemson Family – the fans, staff, student-athletes and members of the community – that helped us build, sustain and grow our Clemson Football culture. Everyone who touches Clemson Football has been, and remains, vital to our success," Swinney wrote. "Kath and I feel so fortunate that the Lord has blessed us to be part of this incredible community. Our boys have attended elementary school, middle school, high school, and college in Clemson. 

"Very few head coaches get the opportunity to experience that type of stability and support, and we don’t take it for granted."

In a world where fans are asked to choose on a weekly basis where they will go, what they will do and, more importantly, what they will spend their money on, it is clear that Dabo Swinney understands what the fans mean to his programs success and is not about to stop telling them.