Story by Matt Smith
Clemson University has announced a new contract for head football coach Dabo Swinney that calls for an average annual salary of $9.3 million over 10 years. This is a raise for Swinney on the heels of his second national championship and a day after Clemson saw three defensive linemen taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. Swinney’s previous contract was paying him $6.75 per year.
Alabama’s Nick Saban remains college football’s highest paid coach by annual salary at $9.44 million, but Swinney’s total contract worth of $93 million is the largest in college football history.
Swinney has the highest winning percentage in the school’s history, compiling a 116-30 (.795) record over 10+ seasons with the Tigers.
Coach Swinney addressed his new contract in an open letter, “The magnitude and significance of the financial commitment Clemson has made isn’t lost on me and, to be honest, it is all indescribably humbling.”
Brent Venables, a key component in Clemson’s success, was also rewarded with a contract extension. Venables, Clemson’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach since 2012, was extended for a sixth season for an additional $2.2 million after signing a five-year $11.6 million contract last year. Only LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda makes more per season as an assistant.
Clemson has also announced an extension with Athletic Director Dan Radakovich that will run through June 30, 2024.
