The College Football Playoff Committee has announced plans to expand the current four-team playoff to a 12-team format. Dabo Swinney, head coach of the Clemson Tigers, is not in favor of this change.
Dabo Swinney, the head coach of Clemson University’s football team, is not in favor of the inevitable 12-team College Football Playoff.
CLEMSON, South Carolina — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Tuesday that neither he nor his players support a 12-team College Football Playoff, but he recognizes that the structure will eventually evolve.
Swinney, speaking at his first press conference after the CFP board of managers approved commissioners to go ahead with extending the playoff from four to twelve participants, said he was not shocked by the decision, adding that he was also opposed to a four-team playoff.
“I knew it was going to become all about the playoff when it got to four, and it’s going to become even more about the playoff when it gets to 12, but that’s unavoidable,” Swinney said. “Some will argue, ‘Well, you’ve been in the playoffs; if we can get in with four, we’ll get in with twelve.’ Our odds aren’t going to go down, so it’s not about that.
“Our group is opposed to it. They don’t want to participate in any more games. To be honest, I’m not sure there are 12 teams that are good enough. So you’ll play more games simply for the sake of playing more games. And I believe that the more you extend it, the less significant the season becomes, and the more you resemble the NFL in terms of oh right, you’re in the playoffs? Well, since you’re already in, why play Trevor [Lawrence] in this game? You’re suddenly not in the top 12 and youngsters aren’t interested in playing.”
With six consecutive berths and two national titles, Clemson has flourished in the College Football Playoff era. Jim Clements, the president of Clemson University, is also a member of the CFP board of management, which has the ultimate word on growth. Before ACC kickoff on Wednesday, ACC athletic directors will gather to hear Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick’s 12-team expansion presentation so they may provide more information to their coaches and players.
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips urged all coaches to gather input from their players after the CFP decided to go ahead with expansion. Coach Mack Brown of North Carolina said earlier this month that his players were similarly opposed to a 12-team playoff. Swinney believes his guys’ viewpoint is crucial since they have already experienced a 15-game season.
But he also understands that change will come regardless of how players feel, and as they get more used to the concept, they may alter their minds regarding expansion.
Swinney said, “It’s simply a difficult transition for everyone.” “However, a group of clever individuals is working on it. They’ll work it out and come up with a solution that benefits everyone. Our men, on the other hand, have a lot of experience and a solid understanding of the timetable and what it requires.”
Swinney was questioned about the current state of player immunizations on his squad as Clemson prepares for the season with another trip to the playoffs on the horizon.
Swinney claimed he got inoculated in March and that his squad was “heading in the right way” despite not being fully immunized.
“I believe all of these teams will have greater motivation as they get back on track,” Swinney said. “We’ve done all we can to educate and enlighten these men, and we’ve encouraged them to speak with all of the physicians. That was the most important thing to me. I haven’t met a single doctor who has stated they don’t believe it. They all agreed you should have it, and I have faith in my doctor. As a result, everyone must make a choice. Our squad is in a strong position. We’re not exactly where we need to be, but I believe we’ll make it.”
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