Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is not one to shy away from expectations or even to make some bold statements on what he expects from his team. During a press conference for the semifinal playoff game against Ohio State, a reporter asked Swinney if he felt that he had to win the national championship to prove that Clemson is among the elite in college football.
Videos by FanBuzz
RELATED: Former Clemson coach admits to stealing signals from rival
His answer was pretty frank and he also said he expects to win not one, but several championships. Although, he doesn't believe that his team needs to win championships to be considered elite.
"Absolutely not. Our status as far as being an elite program is validated. I don't know how we could validate it anymore. There are a lot of things that could happen. You could have some injuries. It comes down to a couple of plays. It's going to happen. Hopefully, it is this year. We are going to win the national championship. Clemson will win multiple national championships as we move forward. History is going to tell the tale. Regardless if I am here or not it's going to happen. If you are just sitting and waiting to win a national championship to feel validated then you are going to be left feeling short more times than not. I think that, ultimately, that is the ultimate prize and the ultimate goal. I think validation comes in consistency and academic performance."
There was a lot of jumping around on those subjects, but basically Swinney just guaranteed a national championship, did he not? However, he did go on to say that teaching the young men he coaches how to be adults and good people is more important than any trophy. He also wants them to graduate and be something outside of football.
[h/t Tiger Net]
