Terms of Swinney's New Deal, Plus Buyout Clauses

Clemson head coach is now the second highest paid head coach in college football

CLEMSON, S.C. -- Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is now college football's second highest paid coach.

Swinney agreed to terms that will pay him $10.5 million this season and $115 million, including $1 million retention bonuses in 2023 and 2024, through December 31, 2031. It is a 10-year deal that Clemson's Board of Trustees Compensation Committee approved Thursday morning.

Alabama's Nick Saban, who agreed to a new deal last month, will make $10.7 million this year, while Georgia's Kirby Smart is expected to make $10.25 million. Smart also agreed to his his new contract last month.

According to the terms of Swinney's contract, which were obtained by All Clemson, he is expected to make $10.5 million this year and $10.75 million next season.

He will make $11 million in 2024, $11.25 million in 2025, $11.5 million in 2026, $11.5 in 2027, $11.75 million in 2028, $12 million in 2029, $12.25 million in 2030 and $12.5 million in 2031.

Swinney can also earn incentive bonuses up to $1.425 million per year. He will also receive two vehicles under dealer program plus insurance and taxes; or if dealer program is not available then two monthly stipends of $1,000 each. He receives a cell phone stipend, as well.

Should Clemson part ways with Swinney, the Clemson coach has a $64 million buyout in 2022 and 2023. It drops to $60 million in 2024 and 2025 and then $57 million in 2026. Starting in 2027 and running through the rest of the contract it will be the remaining total compensation (base + supplemental + licensing).

There are three clauses in the contract should Swinney leave Clemson on his own. There is an Alabama clause, a clause for any other university he might go to and an NFL clause.

If Swinney leaves Clemson for Alabama after the 2022 season, he would owe Clemson $9 million. In 2023 and 2024, it drops to $7.5 million, $6 million in 2025, $4.5 million in 2026 and 2027, $3 million in 2028 and 2029 and $1.5 million in 2030.

Should Swinney leave Clemson for another school this year, he would have to pay Clemson $6 million, $5 million in 2023 and 2024, $4 million in 2025, $3 million in 2026 and 2027, $2 million in 2028 and 2029 and $1 million in 2030.

There is no amount owed should Swinney leave Clemson at any point for the NFL.

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