When Dabo Swinney locked up the head-coaching job with a win over South Carolina in November of 2008, Thomas Austin was one of the players that carried him to midfield in the giddy celebration.

Swinney fired Austin last December after a four-loss regular season.

There are layers to this parting that aren't present in most other firings.

Austin and his wife are both Clemson alums, and they have chosen to remain in Clemson because their children are in school.

Austin, who coached offensive line for the Tigers, joins The Clemson Dubcast to reflect on what it was like to suddenly find himself without a job.

He also gives an inside look into what it's like for an assistant coach to navigate the chaotic world of the transfer portal and NIL.

This is Part 1 of our interview with Austin.