Things may look bleak for Swinney's chances at keeping the job he got a month ago after Tommy Bowden stepped away, especially since the Tigers' 41-27 loss to Florida State officially ended their Atlantic Coast Conference title hopes.
But despite his 1-2 mark as coach, Swinney channels eternal optimist Lloyd Christmas, Jim Carrey's character in the hit comedy.
``That part in the movie where the good-looking gal tells that guy (Christmas), 'You know there's only one in 10 million chances I'd go out with you,''' Swinney recounted. ``And his reaction was, 'So you're saying there's a chance.''
``That's my mentality,'' Swinney continued. ``As long as there's a chance, I'm fired up.''
Now, if only he can get the disappointing Tigers (4-5, 2-4 ACC) to feel the same way.
A team picked as the league's runaway favorites this summer needs to sweep its final three games simply to reach a bowl game. That stretch starts Saturday with improved Duke (4-5, 1-4) at Death Valley.
Swinney has spent most of his time working on the team's psyche, battered since the season-opening 34-10 loss to Alabama.
By the time Bowden stepped away, the Tigers were in an emotional freefall.
``I think we were a very fractured program three ballgames ago,'' Swinney said. ``I don't feel that now.''
Then again, Clemson hasn't see much winning since then either. The Tigers lone victory was at Boston College, where a 17-0 lead slipped away before they won 27-21.
Clemson gave up an early 10-point lead at Florida State as the Seminoles defense eventually took charge. Still, Swinney says there's time for the Tigers to straighten themselves out and finish with a flourish.
``We may have lost these two games with coach Swinney, but we played our hearts out,'' freshman offensive lineman Mason Cloy said.
They also improved their offensive rhythm.
Against Georgia Tech, the Tigers committed six turnovers and put up just 17 points. The turnovers fell to two the next week against Boston College, then to one a devastating pick six thrown by Cullen Harper in the loss to the Seminoles.
``We're very disappointed in the loss,'' Harper said. ``Still, we have a lot to play for.''
One could be Swinney's head-coaching future.
Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips has said Swinney would have the opportunity to gain the position during the season's second half. That was still when Tiger fans had hope the team could rebound for a late charge and play for the ACC crown they were supposed to waltz away with last August.
Swinney says he spends almost no time worrying about what might happen. He's got a strong, supportive wife and a wonderful family who'll back him no matter where he ends up.
``I don't have time for that,'' he said. ``I might be in Hawaii selling sunglasses on the beach.''
If that's the case, Swinney won't have left without making an impression on Clemson's players.
Freshman tackle Landon Walker says Swinney's time has been a freshening breeze to a souring program.
``Change can sometimes bring optimism,'' Walker said.
Walker catches himself at times wondering about the program's direction or what will happen to his playing time under new coaches. ``That's a worry in the back of my mind,'' he said. ``There's nothing I can do about it, though.''
Except perhaps win.
C.J. Spiller has said he'd think about passing up the NFL for his senior year should Swinney get the job permanently.
``He's not going to have to motivate us much the next three weeks,'' Spiller said. ``We know what we have to go out and do. I'm kind of excited to see how our team really responds to that.''
Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/11/215131