Clemson’s Dabo Swinney still upset with college football officiating

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney is still furious about officiating in college football and spoke out about it again Tuesday, days after a devastating loss to Duke.

Swinney wondered aloud through his media availability why officials aren’t being held more accountable and pointed out the controversies surrounding the game.

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Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney talks to the referee in the fourth quarter at Kenan Stadium on Oct. 4, 2025. (Bob Donnan/Image Images)

“We’ve got issues with the game, people suspended, all that kind of stuff,” he said via The Athletic. “I mean referees are people too. They’re not just coaches and players, and if they’re part of the game, then by God, they have to be part of the game and they have to be part of the responsibility. They have to be part of the consequences, not just behind a dark curtain.”

Swinney had been upset with a pass interference call on the Tigers in the final minute of their game against the Blue Devils. Duke’s Nate Sheppard ran for a 3-yard touchdown with 40 seconds left.

Duke won the game, 46-45.

Swinney said he wanted “public accountability” from the ACC to address calls he considered incorrect.

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney prepares to run on the field with his team before a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Hyundai Field’s Bobby Dodd Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025. (Brett Davis/Image Images)

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Clemson is on track for Swinney’s worst season since 2010, when the Tigers were 6-7. Swinney was on the bench then, as much as he is now, but he was able to turn the program around. Since then he won eight ACC titles and two national championships.

Swinney complained about pass interference immediately after the loss. The ACC fined him $10,000.

“Public criticism of officials or public comments evaluating the officiating of particular competitions are not in the best interest of intercollegiate athletics. Therefore, persons associated with the athletics program are prohibited from commenting while acting in an official officiating capacity other than directly to the Conference office,” ACC policy states.

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney speaks with an official during the NCAA football game against the Duke Blue Devils during the game at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 1, 2025. (Alex Martín/Image Images)

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The conference said it considered the matter closed and would have no further comment.