1. Dabo Swinney, Clemson
Few people realize Dabo Swinney has been at Clemson almost as long as Nick Saban has been at Alabama (Saban started in 2007 and Swinney in 2008). He was a surprise choice to take the job from Tommy Bowden. Coach Swinney is in the position he’s in because the Clemson brass allowed him to grow in the position.
Dabo had to learn how to win the big game. Keep in mind, there used to be a term for choking called “Clemson-ing”. The Tigers were expected to win the ACC in 2013 and 2014, but lost games they should have won. Although they finally won the ACC in 2015, he needed to learn how to win the national title game.
Athletic directors and University presidents should take note on how Clemson handled Swinney’s career arc. Now he has two national titles under his belt and the best quarterback on the planet. He’s created a culture that players love and assistants don’t want to leave.
Like his bookend on this list, Nick Saban, he coaches in a state with no professional sports. Also, with no disrespect to the University of South Carolina, Clemson football is the No. 1 program in South Carolina. He’s No. 1 because he got the raise Saban should have received.