Dabo Swinney Receives 8 Year Contract from Clemson

Jan 3, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney celebrates after winning the 2014 Orange Bowl college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Sun Life Stadium. Tigers won 40-35. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Dabo Swinney has gone from strength to strength since taking over as interim manager from Tommy Bowden in 2008, capping it off with an exciting BCS bowl win over Ohio State this past season. For his efforts, the school signed him to an 8-year, $27.15 million contract, keeping him in Death Valley until 2021, CBS reports.

Swinney did a solid job as interim coach on taking over for Bowden, keeping the team together and leading them to a 4-3 record and a Gator Bowl slot, but many were surprised when he was offered the full-time head coaching gig at the end of the season, instead of Clemson pursuing as higher profile candidate.

The former wide receivers coach has repaid the school’s faith in him, also much to everyone’s surprise, leading the team to a 51-23 record overall and 2 BCS bowls. Clemson has gone 11-2 each of the last 2 seasons, including a 2-0 bowl record. Two tough losses to Florida State hang over Swinney and the program’s collective head, but they have plenty of time to make amends.