A Little Dabo Will Do Ya

And, once again, falling in line with what we had surmised after his 4-2 run to the end of the regular season, Dabo Swinney ((pictured, thanks Clemson University Sports Information)) was named the new head football coach at Clemson University.

From our friends at WYFF-TV after Swinney put on the ceremonial orange blazer given to him by Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips:

Swinney said that he is not usually emotional, but he said, "I guess I hadn't had a chance to be emotional until today."

He stopped repeatedly throughout his acceptance speech, and his voice cracked with emotion. He said he would take the platform he has been given and would "thank God."

He said, "There's really only one reason that an ole boy from Pelham, Alabama is sitting in front of you today -- and that's the grace of God."

Swinney went on to thank a long list of people that included the Clemson player and coaches, other coaches who have influenced him through the years, and his wife Kathleen and sons; Will, Drew and Clay. In his thanks, Swinney acknowledged Tommy Bowden, who he replaced after he resigned October 13.

He said it was "an honor to build on the foundation (Bowden) left behind."

On Monday, Swinney said, "To be here as the coach of Clemson, that doesn't just happen." He said, "The secret to success is put your eyes on the Lord, believe in yourself, and don't quit."

The 39-year-old has been with the Tigers since 2003. For the first 5 and a half years he was the wide receivers' coach.He is the 25th head football coach in Clemson history.

It's expected that Swinney will be paid at least $1 million a year.

Huzzahs to "That Boy..." from those of us here at OSG HQ

Who Will Be The New Coach At Clemson

Should the Clemson Tigers defeat South Carolina this weekend than the Tigers would be bowl eligible. It would be another feather in the hat for Dabo Swinney, who took over in mid-season and is 3-2 since and with impressive road wins at Boston College and at Virginia

Swinney has taken full grasp of the offense getting the ball to Clemson's playmakers. C.J. Spiller and Aaron Kelly have benefited from that.

The success Dabo Swinney has had taking over has lead to a grass roots movement from Clemson fans in favor of Swinney to have the job. Many Tiger fans believe if athletic director Terry Don Phillips is considering hiring a coordinator than there is no reason why Swinney shouldn't be the guy.

Here's what we know. Phillips has had interviewed Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables, Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster, University of Illinois offensive coordinator Mike Locksley and Lane Kiffin. OSG reported that Kiffin appears to be headed to Tennessee. It has also been reported that TCU head coach Gary Patterson interviewed yesterday for the job.

2 names I would also look to are Buffalo head coach Turner Gill and outgoing Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer. OSG has no confirmation that they are on the radar screen at Clemson but just playing a hunch. Gill has brought the Bulls from irrelevance to the MAC Championship Game after winning the Eastern Division. Fulmer still has the fire to coach and would seem to be a good fit at Clemson.

It is of OSG's opinion that Dabo Swinney is a virtual lock to get the job however, things might be interesting now that a formal interview with Patterson has taken place. Patterson is ready to make the leap to a BCS school and according to OSG sources, made it known that he was interested in the position. Patterson was up for the vacant Kansas State job but backed out when negotiations broke down.

Bowden Press Conference Highlights

((HT: WIS-TV in Columbia))



And your standard fan reaction piece to go along with it...