Alabama football has the tall task at hand of finding Nick Saban’s successor. A few Alabama students made their opinions heard on whom they don’t want to replace Saban — Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney.
The news of Saban’s sudden retirement broke on Wednesday. Saban has since issued a statement on his departure.
Students and supporters paid tribute to the legendary coach by visiting and offering gifts to his statue in front of Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
A video of Alabama students gathered around Saban’s sculpture went viral on social media. One student led the group in discouraging the school from hiring Swinney to replace Saban.
“Anyone but Dabo! Anyone but Dabo!” the crowd chanted.
Students chant “anyone but Dabo!” in front of Bryant-Denny Stadium. @WVTM13 pic.twitter.com/3MPGDt7WQ9
— Brittany Decker (@BrittanyWVTM13) January 11, 2024
Swinney played three seasons as a wide receiver for the Crimson Tide in the early ’90s. The Clemson coach was a member of the 1992 Alabama squad that won the National Championship under head coach Gene Stallings.
However, the Alabama alum has become a public enemy to some Crimson Tide supporters. Clemson has defeated Alabama in the National Championship Game twice under Swinney. The two teams faced off three times from 2015 to 2018 with Clemson winning their last two title bouts.
But given Swinney’s lengthy resume and Alabama ties, the 54-year-old will likely be a name floated around to replace Saban — whether some students like it or not.
