Dabo Swinney on Alabama speculation: 'I'm happy with my job'

When Nick Saban retired, an impressive list of names started swirling as possible replacements at Alabama. One was Dabo Swinney, the former Crimson Tide walk-on who has won two national championships at Clemson since taking over as head coach.

During his pre-spring press conference on Wednesday, Swinney addressed the speculation about the position, which ultimately went to Kalen DeBoer.

Swinney confirmed he spoke with Saban after his announcement, but made it clear he’s enjoying his time with Clemson right now.

“I’m happy for Alabama. I love Alabama. That’ll never change. But I love Clemson, too,” Swinney told reporters. “And I’m happy with my job. I’m happy for Coach Saban. Had a great conversation with him. What we talked about will stay between us, but just focused on what I’m doing.”

Swinney took over as Clemson head coach in the interim in 2008 after Tommy Bowden’s departure, and he assumed the full-time duties in 2009. In his 16 seasons at the helm, Swinney has a 170-43 overall record and two national championships in that time – both of which came over Alabama.

As some wondered if Swinney would get a look in Tuscaloosa, the Alabama fan base made its thoughts clear. Crimson Tide students broke into “Anyone but Dabo” chants after Saban announced his retirement, and ultimately, Greg Byrne moved to hire DeBoer away from Washington after a national championship appearance.

Clemson AD Graham Neff: Dabo Swinney ‘couldn’t be a better fit’ with the Tigers

Clemson athletic director Graham Neff also addressed the speculation around Swinney and the opening at his alma mater. He said Swinney’s connection to Clemson and their working relationship were on display as they talked.

“It was just a great testament to Clemson,” Neff told The State’s Chapel Fowler. “It’s something that Dabo and I talked a lot about while that (Alabama) transition was happening. He has a long memory in a good way. He’s going on his 16th year (as coach) and 20 years at Clemson. That support that Clemson has shown to him and Clemson football over these two decades … that adds up and that matters.

“And that really resonates with him and with us. Couldn’t view a better fit for Clemson football than Dabo Swinney and, quite frankly, couldn’t view a better fit for Dabo Swinney than Clemson University. And so I think that inflection point there really, really proved that.”

Matt Connolly contributed to this report.