Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney has signed a new contract that will extend him through the 2031 season, the school announced Thursday.
The 10-year, $115 million deal adds three years — and a raise — to the original 10-year extension Swinney signed in 2019. The updated contract will pay Swinney about $2 million more per year than his previous deal. He was slated to make $8.5 million this season, for example — that’s now $10.5 million. That grows to $12.5 million in 2031.
Swinney will make $11.5 million on average each year, which positions him ahead of reigning national title-winning coach Kirby Smart ($11.25 million) and just behind Alabama’s Nick Saban ($11.7 million). After agreeing to a new extension in late August, Saban remains the highest-paid coach in college football.
Just like the previous deal Swinney agreed to, his new contract includes an enhanced buyout if Swinney leaves to become the head coach at Alabama. For example, if Swinney left for Alabama in 2023, he’d owe Clemson $7.5 million; if he left for any other school, the total drops to $5 million. There is no money owed if Swinney leaves for a coaching position in the NFL.
Swinney, 52, is 151-36 in his 15 seasons (14 full seasons) at Clemson and led the Tigers to national titles in 2016 and 2018. Swinney’s 151 wins are the third-most for any FBS coach in his first 15 seasons as a head coach.
“It is hard for me to believe I am in my 14th full season as your head coach, and I remain eternally grateful and honored for the opportunity to continue coaching and developing young people of excellence at Clemson.” Swinney said in the school’s official release.
“This agreement is representative of what has been collectively built here and the success we’ve had both academically and athletically. It is a reflection of the ALL IN commitment of so many people, including our players, our staff, our fans, our administration and our University leadership. While I am certainly proud of our accomplishments on the field, the most rewarding part remains the relationships forged within this program and the ability to positively impact those around us.”
Dabo Swinney salary, by year
Each year includes base salary plus $3.5 million in licensing; the 2023 and 2024 totals factor in a $1 million retention bonus.
2022: $10.5 million
2023: $10.75 million
2024: $11 million
2025: $11.25 million
2026: $11.5 million
2027: $11.5 million
2028: $11.75 million
2029: $12 million
2030: $12.25 million
2031: $12.5 million
