Dabo Swinney breaks down Clemson's plans to build NIL staff

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney commented on the program’s plans to build an NIL focused space and team for helping their athletes with their futures. While many coaches around the nation have been very critical of the impact NIL has begun to have on recruiting, Clemson appears to be embracing it as a part of the new normal.

Dabo Swinney on building for NIL success

“I wouldn’t say it helped us,” said Swinney of the NIL changes. “We’re never gonna recruit leading with NIL. That’s an opportunity. We certainly have an opportunity to help anybody that wants to participate and use their Name, Image and Likeness however they want to. We always lead with who we are as a program — the purpose of this program.

“I don’t think many people are gonna come here, at least I hope they don’t, because of the NIL. I hope they come here because this is the university they want to be a part of, the program they want to be a part of, the people they want to be a part of. And so it really wasn’t a factor either way. I think we’ve got a huge team in place here.

“We’re probably one of the few places that is actually building a facility — our new facility that’s going outside our weight room here. Just like we built P.A.W. Journey, we’re going to have a living, breathing space to help our players navigate this landscape that’s out there. Because at the end of the day, that’s our responsibility.

“It doesn’t matter what your opinion is, the rules are the rules. Our job is to make sure we equip them and we help them navigate any opportunities — maximize this opportunity. And that’s what we’ve been doing, that’s what we’re trying to do moving forward. And we’ve got a team right now, we’ve got a really good team of people. We have somebody designated from the university standpoint for the whole athletic department and then we have a little team that’s dedicated to that as well. When we do visits and things like that and kids come in here — that’s a part of our process.

“That’s just one of the things we cover. Just like the training room, just like the strength and conditioning, just like nutrition, just like the dining, just like the business school — whatever it is. So we’ve got a great presentation, and a great approach to that. It’s been really good for us. Our responsibility is to help them maximize it. At the end of the day, 98 percent of these guys aren’t gonna play pro sports so they have a short window. We need to help them maximize whatever opportunity they have. But we’ve gotta do it in a way that keeps them focused on the long-term value of education and their relationships and career development and all that stuff.”

Swinney’s comments will likely build a lot of faith with Clemson fans that the school is adapting well to the changing college landscape. As schools seem to buck at the impact NIL has had already, Clemson is making it a core part of their athletics department like a new facility would be.