Clemson denies report that Swinney has been named coach

Dec 1, 2008 - 2:47 PM CLEMSON, South Carolina (Ticker) -- A spokesman from Clemson University has denied that Dabo Swinney has been named the school's new football coach.

ESPN.com reported that the school removed the interim designation from Swinney and was set to announce him as the school's next coach as soon as Monday afternoon. However, the spokesman said the school has yet to make any decision and has no announcement planned.

According to the ESPN report, athletic director Terry Don Phillips offered the job to Swinney in a meeting Sunday afternoon. After Swinney accepted, contract discussions began and were continuing Monday.

Swinney, who turned 40 in November, took over on an interim basis after Tommy Bowden resigned on October 13. He guided the Tigers to a 4-2 record and 7-5 season overall.

In his sixth season at the school, Swinney emerged as a strong for a candidate for the job when the Tigers closed the regular season with three straight double-digit wins, including a 31-14 triumph over rival South Carolina on Saturday. After that vitory, players carried Swinney off the field on their shoulders.

Swinney, who has been the Tigers wide receivers coach, also has a reputation as a strong recruiter. In February 2006, he was listed as the fifth best recruiter in the nation by Rivals.com.

Prior to coming to Clemson, Swinney served as an assistant coach at Alabama from 1993-2000.