Swinney not planning to leave Clemson despite opportunities

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney isn't planning to exit the program anytime soon despite garnering interest from other schools.

Swinney admitted during an interview on "The Huddle" that he's had "lots" of opportunities to leave the Tigers but doesn't think "there's ever been a better time to lead Clemson," according to ESPN's Andrea Adelson.

Swinney added: "I've had lots of opportunities to leave Clemson, both for the NFL and college. Lots of opportunities, and you don't read about (that) because that's not how I operate."

The 54-year-old declined to reveal the programs that tried to lure him away. Swinney was considered to be one of the favorites to replace Nick Saban at Alabama when the legendary coach retired in January. A former walk-on for the Crimson Tide in 1989, Swinney said he spoke with Saban a day after his announcement.

"That's a conversation that stays between us," Swinney said. "I'm here because this is where I want to be. I'm glad that's over because for a long time, people say these things. I'm happy for Alabama. I'm happy for Coach Saban, too."

Clemson has risen to prominence under Swinney, who was named the program's interim head coach six games into the 2008 season. The interim label was removed the following year. The Tigers have won eight ACC titles and two national championships with Swinney at the helm. The Birmingham, Alabama, native has established a 170-43 record over his tenure.

Swinney is one of just three active head coaches to win a national championship, along with Mack Brown and the man who'll line up on the opposing sideline in Clemson's season opener, Georgia's Kirby Smart.

However, after making six straight appearances in the College Football Playoff from 2015 to 2020, Clemson hasn't qualified in the past three seasons.

Swinney has come under scrutiny for his reluctance to use the transfer portal and promote NIL following significant shifts in the college landscape. However, he believes his philosophy is "what's best for Clemson."

"I've said this many times, If I left Clemson today and took another job, half the team would leave. I'd be the greatest portal recruiter ever because you have to do what you have to do," Swinney said.

No. 14 Clemson will kick off its season against No. 1 Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.