It was fun while it lasted, right?

Clemson went from a bottom-tier program to a powerhouse, winning two national championships in three years and being virtually unbeatable at home.

Most of the credit belongs to one man: Dabo Swinney. But even Rome eventually fell.

There was optimism back in August, as Clemson seemed destined to return to the top, finally building up enough talent with Dabo’s minimalist transfer portal strategy. Now, Clemson football stands at a dismal 3-5, suffering its fourth home loss of the season over the weekend to Duke, a game where the play calling yet again disappointed an entire stadium.

Perhaps there are better ways to start the month of November.

Clemson football was once defined by a phrase: “Best is the standard.” The motto on T-shirts and etched on walls is now a ghost of the past. Unlike some past years, talent cannot be blamed for losses, as Clemson remains a more talented team on paper than arguably every team it played.

So, if Clemson football revolves around each person being their best selves, where is that standard in 2025?

Maybe it’s time to paint over the phrase and move on.

For some, moving on from Swinney seems unthinkable, as he defines Clemson football. However, over the course of the 2025 season, this idea has become a more legitimate possibility.

Early on in the 2025 season, Swinney addressed the Clemson fanbase’s displeasure.

“If Clemson’s tired of winning, they can send me on my way. But I’m going to go somewhere else and coach,” Swinney said after the 1-2 start this season.

But Clemson fans didn’t grow tired of winning in 2025. Following the loss to Duke, a different attitude was on display at the podium. For the first time, athletic director Graham Neff was in the postgame press conference with the media.

“(I) may get fired today,” Swinney said. “(I) can’t say I blame him.”

For those who want Swinney to kick rocks, that sound is music to their ears. However, others believe that the grass isn’t always greener.

After all, Swinney will go down as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, boasting a career win percentage of 78.2% and four national championship appearances. Who wouldn’t want him leading a football team?

Many others believe that it’s time to show Dabo the door, and a legacy is not enough; Clemson hasn’t been a legitimate contender since Trevor Lawrence was under center, and it is falling behind in the new era of college football.

Additionally, successful coaches have been fired for a lot less, namely Brian Kelly and James Franklin. Swinney is a figure of what Clemson football once was, but that can’t be enough for what Clemson football will be.

Only time will tell if Swinney will remain on the sideline for years to come, but the message is clear: Swinney’s leash is shorter now.