**Urgent: Clemson Tigers Head Coach Dabo Swinney Rushed to Hospital in Critical Condition Due to Suspected Cardiac Arrest**
*By Jenna Whitmore | May 6, 2025*
**Clemson, SC** — In a development that has shocked the college football world, **Dabo Swinney**, the longtime head coach of the Clemson Tigers, has been **rushed to the hospital in critical condition** following a **suspected cardiac arrest** at the team’s athletic facility Tuesday afternoon.
The incident occurred shortly after 2:15 p.m. ET, during a regularly scheduled spring team meeting. According to early reports, Swinney, 55, collapsed in front of staff and players before medical personnel were immediately called to the scene.
Emergency services responded within minutes, and Coach Swinney was transported by ambulance to **Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital**, where he was admitted to the **intensive care unit**. Hospital officials have confirmed his condition is **critical but stable**, pending further cardiac evaluation.
> “We are closely monitoring Coach Swinney’s condition and doing everything in our power,” said Dr. Evelyn Morris, chief cardiologist at Prisma Health. “He is currently undergoing a series of procedures to assess and stabilize heart function.”
### Sudden Shock Across Clemson Nation
The news sent waves of shock through the Clemson University campus and the broader college football community. Known for his boundless energy, unshakable optimism, and fiery leadership style, Swinney had shown no visible signs of health issues in recent days.
Sources close to the program say that Swinney had complained of chest discomfort earlier in the morning but insisted on conducting his team meeting as scheduled. Medical professionals are now investigating whether that decision may have delayed crucial early intervention.
Clemson Athletic Director **Graham Neff** addressed the media Tuesday evening with a visibly emotional tone.
> “This is a profoundly difficult day for the Clemson family. Coach Swinney is the heart and soul of this program, and right now, our entire focus is on his recovery and well-being. We are asking everyone—fans, alumni, and the wider college football world—to join us in prayer.”
### A Legendary Career Suddenly Halted
Dabo Swinney has served as Clemson’s head coach since 2008, transforming the Tigers into a national powerhouse. Under his leadership, the program won **two national championships** (2016, 2018), reached the College Football Playoff six times, and produced numerous NFL stars including Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence.
Swinney’s tenure has been marked not only by on-field success but also by a deep culture of faith, family, and perseverance. He has built Clemson into a program defined by unity and relentless effort—values now being tested in an entirely new way.
> “Dabo is a once-in-a-generation coach and a once-in-a-lifetime man,” said former Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd. “He changed my life. Now we just want him to fight with everything he’s got.”
### Outpouring of Support
As news spread, reactions poured in from across the country:
* **Nick Saban**, retired Alabama coach: “Dabo is one of the toughest and most resilient men I’ve ever coached against. Praying for a strong recovery.”
* **Tim Tebow**, ESPN analyst: “Dabo leads with heart—and now we pray for that heart to keep beating strong. Faith over fear.”
* **Trevor Lawrence**, Jaguars QB: “Love you, Coach. We’re with you. Keep fighting.”
Social media platforms lit up with the hashtag **#PrayForDabo**, as fans posted emotional messages, videos, and memories of the beloved coach. Clemson students have already begun organizing a candlelight vigil at Memorial Stadium, where thousands are expected to gather in support.
### Interim Leadership and Program Response
In the wake of the emergency, Clemson has announced that **Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Wes Goodwin** will serve as interim head coach until further notice. All team practices and media availability for the week have been suspended.
> “Our focus is on Coach Swinney,” said Goodwin. “He always tells us to ‘Be All In.’ Right now, we’re all in on helping him come back stronger.”
University President Jim Clements also issued a statement, describing Swinney as a “pillar of Clemson’s identity” and offering full institutional support for his family.
> “We are mobilizing every resource to ensure Coach Swinney receives the best care possible. This university stands behind him.”
### Medical Details: A Cardiac Emergency
While doctors have yet to release a full diagnosis, sources close to the situation confirm that Swinney experienced **a sudden cardiac event consistent with a heart attack**, medically known as a **myocardial infarction**.
Witnesses say he slumped over during a routine film session with players before medical staff sprang into action. CPR was administered immediately, and a defibrillator was used en route to the hospital. It remains unclear whether he had a prior history of heart issues.
Doctors have indicated the next 24 to 48 hours will be critical in determining his prognosis.
### A Family by His Side
Swinney’s wife, Kathleen, and their three sons are reportedly at his bedside. Known for their close-knit family dynamic, the Swinneys have long been an inseparable part of Clemson football, with Kathleen often participating in team events and philanthropic initiatives.
> “Family has always been everything to Coach Swinney,” said ESPN’s Marty Smith. “And now, the Clemson family is surrounding him with the love and strength he’s always given them.”
### Looking Ahead: Football on Hold
While the football implications of Swinney’s absence are unknown, what is certain is that Clemson’s 2025 season—once focused on redemption and return to national prominence—has now shifted into a moment of collective vulnerability.
Swinney’s Tigers were expected to be ACC title contenders this fall, riding a highly ranked recruiting class and the maturing of sophomore QB Cade Klubnik. But for now, football is secondary.
> “Wins and losses don’t matter right now,” said ESPN’s Rece Davis. “What matters is life. What matters is a man and a family in crisis.”
### Final Thoughts
Dabo Swinney has spent nearly two decades inspiring players, transforming lives, and elevating a college football program into a national dynasty. He’s faced rivals, doubters, and enormous pressure. But now, he faces the fight of his life.
And across locker rooms, campuses, and communities nationwide, one sentiment echoes clearly: **Clemson doesn’t back down. And neither does Dabo.**
We’ll continue to update this developing story as more details become available.
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