Dabo Swinney is in his 19th season as Clemson head coach, while Mike Elko is in his third season as Texas A&M head coach. This has been Swinney’s only stop so far as an FBS head coach. Elko was previously the Duke head coach from 2022-23.
Which coach has a better record, more wins, and more championships at their current school and over their careers?
Head-To-Head Record
Swinney and Elko have faced each other once as head coaches. Duke defeated Clemson, 28-7, on Sept. 4, 2023.
Career Win-Loss Analysis
Dabo Swinney has more career wins as a head coach. Swinney is 187-53 (.779) overall. Mike Elko is 19-7 (.731) at Texas A&M and 35-16 (.686) overall.
Swinney led Clemson to seven wins (7-6) last year, including 4-4 in the ACC. Elko led Texas A&M to 11 wins (11-2), including 7-1 in the SEC.
Annual Record Breakdown & Winning Percentages
| YEAR | SWINNEY | ELKO |
| 2025 | 7-6 (.538) | 11-2 (.846) |
| 2024 | 10-4 (.714) | 8-5 (.615) |
| 2023 | 9-4 (.692) | 7-2 (.583) |
| 2022 | 11-3 (.786) | 9-4 (.692) |
| 2021 | 10-3 (.769) | – |
| 2020 | 10-2 (.833) | – |
| 2019 | 14-1 (.933) | – |
| 2018 | 15-0 (1.000) | – |
| 2017 | 12-2 (.857) | – |
| 2016 | 14-1 (.933) | – |
| 2015 | 14-1 (.933) | – |
| 2014 | 10-3 (.769) | – |
| 2013 | 11-2 (.846) | – |
| 2012 | 11-2 (.846) | – |
| 2011 | 10-4 (.714) | – |
| 2010 | 6-7 (.462) | – |
| 2009 | 9-5 (.643) | – |
| 2008 | 4-3 (.571) | – |
Postseason & Championship Results
Swinney has 12 bowl wins, nine conference championships, and two national championships in his career.
Elko has one bowl win, zero conference championships, and zero national championships in his career.
Recruiting Rankings: Swinney vs. Elko
Here’s the year-by-year team recruiting rankings (247Sports) for each coach:
| YEAR | SWINNEY | ELKO |
| 2026 | 20th | 10th |
| 2025 | 26th | 9th |
| 2024 | 11th | 19th |
| 2023 | 11th | 56th (Duke) |
| 2022 | 10th | 53rd (Duke) |
| 2021 | 5th | – |
| 2020 | 3rd | – |
| 2019 | 10th | – |
| 2018 | 7th | – |
| 2017 | 16th | – |
| 2016 | 11th | – |
| 2015 | 9th | – |
| 2014 | 16th | – |
| 2013 | 15th | – |
| 2012 | 20th | – |
| 2011 | 10th | – |
| 2010 | 27th | – |
| 2009 | 36th | – |
| 2008 | 9th | – |
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