The Clemson Tigers announced Thursday that they have extended the contract of head football coach Dabo Swinney. Swinney’s new contract will pay him an average value of $11.5 million annually over 10 years, running through the 2031 season.
The deal makes Swinney the second-highest-paid college football coach in the country in terms of average annual compensation, behind Alabama head coach Nick Saban ($11.7 million). But Saban’s current contract extension, signed last month, is shorter (eight years, $93.6 million, expiring after the 2030 season). So Swinney’s contract is notable as the highest total amount ever handed out to a college football coach.
Since becoming the head coach of the Tigers, Swinney (seen above after a win over Georgia Tech Monday) has won two national championships. He seems to be thrilled he will continue to coach the Tigers.
“It is hard for me to believe I am in my 14th full season as your head coach, and I remain eternally grateful and honored for the opportunity to continue coaching and developing young people of excellence at Clemson,” Swinney said in a release. “This agreement is representative of what has been collectively built here and the success we’ve had both academically and athletically. It is a reflection of the All-In commitment of so many people, including our players, our staff, our fans, our administration, and our University leadership. While I am certainly proud of our accomplishments on the field, the most rewarding part remains the relationships forged within this program and the ability to positively impact those around us.”
This new contract also may have put to bed the rumors of Swinney leaving Clemson to come to Alabama once Saban retires. Swinney played wide receiver at Alabama from 1990-92, and was an assistant there as well from 1993-2000.
Naturally, college football fans had a lot to say about the new contract. And most don’t seem to be impressed.
Barely handles Tech: immediately gets a 10 year extension 🤡🤡🤡🤡
— Fast Eddie (@FastEddy995) September 8, 2022
https://twitter.com/yungggboyyy/status/1567881687605944323
I'm so confused, didn't he retire? I know he said he would quit if the players started getting paid…..
— stacy evans (@Big_Stac) September 8, 2022
https://twitter.com/w357m02314nd/status/1567883954048360451
While not all fans (especially those of other schools) like Swinney, the Clemson athletic department seems eager to keep him around for a full decade more.
[ESPN]
About Stacey Mickles
Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.