Clemson faces $57M Swinney buyout in 2026 with no mitigation clause

CBS Sports detailed that firing Dabo Swinney without cause in calendar 2026 would cost Clemson a flat $57 million, payable in full or over the remaining term. Unlike most deals, the contract has no mitigation if he takes another job, so the school would not get Franklin-style offset relief. Waiting until 2027 raises the obligation to remaining total compensation of about $60 million, making an earlier exit slightly cheaper but still among the largest buyouts ever. Pressure rose after a rough 2025 and a blowout loss to open 2026.