Clemson, Swinney agree to new 8-year, $54M contract

Clemson has agreed to a new eight-year, $54-million deal with head coach Dabo Swinney, locking up the reigning national champion through the 2024 season, the school announced Friday.

The pact replaces the six-year, $30.75-million contract Swinney signed in April 2016. His new $6.75-million average annual salary places him third among college football coaches.

"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."

Swinney has led the Tigers to the national championship game in each of the last two seasons, winning the more recent one. The charismatic 47-year-old has turned Clemson into a national powerhouse since taking over from Tommy Bowden during the 2008 campaign, and has posted double-digit wins in six consecutive years.

"This contract makes a strong statement," Swinney said. "It is a mutual commitment reflective of the program we have built and continue to build at Clemson."

The Tigers begin their title defense Sept. 2 versus Kent State.