Clemson’s Swinney gets new deal averaging $6.75M through 2024

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney agreed to a new eight-year contract extension through 2024 on Friday that will pay him an average of $6.75 million per year.

Swinney, who guided Clemson to the national championship last season, has compiled an 89-28 record in nine years at Clemson.

The $54 million total contract will pay Swinney $7.5 million for the rest of 2017 — a $6 million base salary and a $1.5 million signing bonus, according to ESPN. Swinney also receives a $1 million insurance premium payment.

The 47-year-old Swinney becomes the second college football coach to earn more than $7 million in a single year, with Alabama’s Nick Saban being the other. Swinney’s average salary puts him at No. 3 behind Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh and Saban.

The terms of the contract were approved by the Clemson University Board of Trustees Compensation Committee.

“Dabo’s impact on our football program, our university and our community is immeasurable and goes well beyond the on-field successes and national championship,” athletic director Dan Radakovich said in a statement. “This new agreement demonstrates our strong commitment to Dabo and our confidence in his leadership now — and in the future — and his long-term commitment to Clemson. We are thrilled that he and his family will be a part of the Clemson Family for years to come.”

Swinney earned the Bear Bryant National Coach of the Year Award in 2015 and 2016 and the Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2009 and 2015. The Tigers have posted a 54-15 record in ACC games since Swinney took over, and advanced to postseason bowls every year.

Clemson captured the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship after playing in the title game in 2015. The Tigers have a 70-13 record over the past six seasons.

“I want to thank President (Jim) Clements, Dan Radakovich and his team, the Board of Trustees, and the entire Clemson family,” Swinney said in a statement released by the school. “My family and I have been extremely blessed to be part of such an incredible university and community for the past 14 years. This contract makes a strong statement. It is a mutual commitment reflective of the program we have built and continue to build at Clemson. The Clemson family does so much to support our program and I couldn’t be more proud to be your head coach.”

Swinney previously agreed to a six-year, $31.75 million deal with Clemson in April 2016 that paid him an average of more than $5.25 million annually.

According to ESPN, Swinney’s last contract started at $4.8 million for 2016 and increased to $5.65 million in 2021, and the new deal starts at $6 million for 2017 and increases to $6.6 million by the end of 2024, excluding bonuses.