Dabo Swinney discusses friendship with Matt Campbell, praises his work at Iowa State

Dabo Swinney and Matt Campbell didn’t have the seasons they expected, but the coaches will be attempting to end their year with a victory. Unfortunately, only one of them will be able to do so on Wednesday.

The respect between the coaches is high, but it’s all out the window as the Cheez-It Bowl arrives. Prior to the game, Swinney discussed his friendship with Campbell, and praised his work at Iowa State.

“First of all, how he’s done it in Ames, Iowa. You know, I mean, I’m not sure of the history of Iowa State, but I know what he’s done since he’s been there has put Ames, Iowa, on the map,” started Swinney. “To be able to go into a place that really hasn’t won at the level he’s won and do it — there’s something unique there.

“I think you have to do it differently, and I think that’s intrigued me. Young guy, came from Toledo, kept up with him a little bit there and watched him from afar. How he’s responded, how they have handled success, how they have handled failure. Listening to him, you can just tell he’s a coach of substance.”

As you can see, Swinney is impressed with the job Campbell’s done at Iowa State. It may not be the College Football Playoff, but a victory will go a long way for either program.

Swinney on Campbell: ‘I think he represents what a coach should be.’

Furthermore, Swinney was impressed with Campbell from the moment they met. After crossing paths, their relationship – and Swinney’s respect for Campbell – continued to grow.

“First time I met him was in the airport. We were crossing paths, kind of a random meeting, and swapped numbers there,” stated Swinney. “And next thing you know, brought him out to Clemson, and we hung out for a day or two. Spent some time together. He spoke at our clinic, and then our defensive staff actually went out there.

“So, you know, I just think that he’s a very bright coach. But more than anything, I think he represents what a coach should be. I think he truly coaches for the right reasons. He cares about the whole player, his staff.”

Dabo Swinney and Matt Campbell have bounds of respect for each-other. The Clemson coach knows Campbell’s work isn’t a fluke — he sees that the Cyclones aren’t going anywhere.

“Most of his staff’s been together for many years now, and I think that says a lot. But, I mean, they play with anybody. You look at every game this year, I mean, they could be in the Playoff right now; they are a few plays away from that, literally, every game, down to the wire,” stated Swinney. “I think when you see a team compete the way they have competed, it just says a lot about the culture that’s been established around them, and that doesn’t just happen.

“So good football coach, bright future, and Iowa State is a school that’s not going away.”