Congratulations everybody, we’ve officially made it to Watchlist Season and the first one involves Clemson Football Head Coach Dabo Swinney, who was named to the Bobby Dodd Trophy Watchlist.
"This year’s list includes 20 of the nation’s top college football coaches representing all Power Five conferences, as well as the AAC and an independent."
The award, which claims to be the most coveted national coaching award, celebrates on and off the field leadership, scholarship and integrity.
"Managed by Peach Bowl, Inc., The Dodd Trophy, college football’s most coveted national coaching award, celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd’s coaching philosophy."
Swinney is one of 4 ACC coaches on the list, along with Dave Clawson of Wake Forest, Dave Doeren from North Carolina State and Pat Narduzzi of Pitt.
The SEC has six coaches on the list and the Big 10 has five.
Much like with player trophies of this type, a midseason watch list that adds or reduces the number of candidates is released in the fall.
The winner will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
Swinney, of course, has many awards already under his belt, including the Bobby Dodd Award in 2011, 3 Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards, AP Coach of the Year, AFCA Coach of the Year, Sporting News Coach of the Year, Walter Camp Coach of the Year and many more.
Swinney is 150-36 and 91-19 in the Atlantic Coast Conference at Clemson with 9 ACC Atlantic Division titles, 7 ACC titles and 2 National Championships with both coming in wins over Alabama.
Swinney also has an 11-7 record in bowl games and a 6-4 record in the College Football Playoff.