Zip Trip: Football family affair

CLEMSON, S.C. (WSPA) – Clemson football is a true family affair for the 2024 season.

Head coach Dabo Swinney and his three sons, Will, Drew and Clay, are on the practice field every day. “The first time ever that we’ve all been on the same team and excited, obviously,” Dabo Swinney said as he began his 17th season as Clemson’s head coach.

Drew Swinney played for the Tigers from 2018 to 2022. He is in his second season as an assistant coach for player development and works with the Tiger wide receivers.

Will Swinney play for the Tigers from 2017 to 2021. He’s spent the past two years in business in Charlotte but is now an unpaid intern on the coaching staff. He works with the team’s tight ends.

Clay is the youngest of the three brothers and is a sophomore wide receiver.

“I didn’t get a chance to play with Will. I played one year with Drew because he redshirted,” Clay told 7NEWS. “So I was always kind of just watching from the outskirts. But for us all to be on the same team with my dad too, it’s really special for our family.”

The years are moving quickly for the Tigers head coach.

“Clay just turned 21 and I remember like it was yesterday. He was born right here in July of 2003,” Dabo Swinney recalled, “and he’s 21 years old now. It’s crazy.”

Clay Swinney joined the program as a walk-on in 2022. He’s appeared in 14 games in his career and has one catch for 24 yards. Now, his brother Drew is helping coach him.

“He’s been around football his whole life. He played five years, so, if he’s telling me something, I need to listen, just like any other coach.”

So, what are the chances of seeing FOUR Swinneys coaching at Clemson?

“I still got three seasons left,” Clay said, “but (I) definitely think about the future. And I think, you know, the family business coaching is definitely an option for me.”

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