Clemson University football coach Dabo Swinney has a story not unlike others who have found their way to a deep faith. Swinney grew up in a family that was, by all accounts, dysfunctional. Living with an alcoholic father created a childhood filled with uncertainty, insecurity, anger and grief. Sports became an outlet for him.

Though he was not especially religious in his early years, as he transitioned to high school sports Swinney began to attend Fellowship of Christian Athletes meetings. During one such meeting, he felt God’s presence intensely and took that opportunity to dedicate his life to following Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Swinney says he was saved that night.

For Swinney, his life circumstances did not immediately change. He recalls that this was “a very trying time”; his family life was still a mess. But, Swinney was able to get through it with the spiritual guidance of a young football coach, Stewart Wiley. Coach Wiley helped Swinney tackle his problems head on and stay in football. Wiley became a role model for Swinney.

Since then, the 39-year old Swinney recounts the many times God has been tangibly present in his life, including his father’s and brother’s recovery from addiction, and he attributes his successes to God’s power and goodness. Swinney is quite vocal about his faith. He gives glory to God at every opportunity, and makes no apologies about doing so.

For some, however, there is a problem. After all, while Swinney’s story may not be much different from that of other Christians, his job as head coach for a major college football team is. And his outspoken faith has been criticized as inappropriate – and even illegal – proselytizing.

In fact, last April the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) filed a complaint that Swinney has created a culture within in the football program that promotes Christianity and violates constitutional guidelines. Specifically, the group asserted that Swinney is violating the separation of church and state as stipulated in the Establishment Clause of the first amendment. The FFRF cites his organized Bible studies for players among the offenses, stating that those who do not participate in these Bible studies would be treated unfairly.

Swinney has responded by saying on more than one occasion, “All we require in the recruitment of any player is that he must be a great player at his position, meet the academic requirements, and have good character.”

For Swinney, character can be built through a study of God’s Word. It’s hard to argue with that, but many have tried.

At a December 30 news conference, New York Times writer William Rhoden asked Swinney if there would be a place on the Tigers’ roster for a player who said he would not be participate in any religious activities for which Swinney has become known?

“My job is to win football games,” responded Swinney. “We’re going to always recruit and play the best football players. We don’t play the best Christians. If we played the best Christians, I wouldn’t be sitting here. I’ve coached a bunch of atheists, I’m sure, along the way — a ton.”

I take this man, who holds the value of ethics and character in high regard, at his word.

But I also understand Rhoden’s question. What I don’t understand is why it is aimed at Swinney.

You see, Dabo Swinney is doing nothing but being the person he has become, and that’s all he can be! As a committed Christian, he is convinced the gospel is not a light to be hidden under a bushel. Swinney has been the same person with the same orientation to his faith and coaching for the past 23 years. That authenticity is refreshing.

And, here’s the important thing: Clemson knew that when they hired Swinney in 2008.

Clemson knew they were getting a coach who would wear his faith on his sleeve, a coach who would also be clear about who he is to prospective players and their families.

“Recruiting is very personal,” Swinney says. “Recruits and their families want — and deserve — to know who you are as a person, not just what kind of coach you are. I try to be a good example to others, and I work hard to live my life according to my faith.”

And that’s par for the course for Dabo Swinney; he’s never tried to be anyone else than who he is. So, any assertions about the appropriateness or inappropriateness of Swinney’s actions at Clemson ought to be directed to Clemson, not Swinney. They adopted Swinney’s approach in its entirety, and frankly, they appear to be benefitting from it.

Again, I can understand the questions and criticism, and I have had to challenge myself if I would be as supportive is if this were a Buddhist or Muslim coach.

In the end, however, I can’t get away from the irony, incongruity and absurdity of this compilation of recent headlines:

• Football teams for both Kansas and Washington State log more arrests than wins.

• UCLA, Oregon State, Arkansas and Vanderbilt players accused of rape.

• Former Penn State football coach denied appeal for child sexual abuse conviction.

• Pittsburgh, Indiana and Louisville players busted for heroin.

• Oklahoma, Bowling Green, Tennessee, Texas and TCU players arrested for assault.

• Clemson coach accused of holding Bible study.

Yeah, I can see why people are upset at Dabo Swinney.