Dabo Swinney takes aim at officiating — and more coaches should

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has publicly criticized NCAA officiating, highlighting a lack of accountability and transparency in the system. Swinney expressed concerns over the current process, where coaches can submit plays for review but receive limited feedback, describing it as "behind a curtain." He emphasized the importance of accountability for officials, especially in the context of legalized gambling, suggesting that referees should face consequences similar to players and coaches.

Swinney's comments come amid increasing scrutiny on officiating in both college and professional football. Critics argue that the current lack of transparency fuels suspicion and undermines trust in the integrity of the sport. Calls for reform include making officials full-time employees and holding them accountable through public explanations of their decisions, akin to the scrutiny faced by coaches and players. The push for change addresses concerns that the current system may not withstand the pressures of modern sports, particularly as gambling becomes more prevalent.