The Clemson Tigers finished their 2024 season with a 10-4 record, bringing head coach Dabo Swinney’s record with the program to 180-47 in his 17 years of coaching. To pay tribute to him, Swinney’s alma mater inducted him into the Pelham Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, Jan. 25.
To receive the honor, Swinney returned to where it all started, taking a trip down memory lane.
Dabo Swinney Remarks During High School Hall of Fame Induction
The head coach has beaten the odds, coming out of Alabama with his family facing financial difficulties. When Swinney was asked what he thinks when he looks back at his journey from his humble beginnings to becoming the winningest leader in Clemson and ACC football, the head coach replied:
“I just think God has had his hand on my life for a long time. That’s what I think, there are a lot of great moments in my life. Everything great in my life has come through the team. You know my wife is a Pelham grad, we grew up together, first grade all the way up. We’re going on 31 years of marriage.
“Nothing happens without somebody else. And in my business, that’s having a great partner in life like Kathleen. Just so many great people, teachers, coaches, mentors. Hopefully, I’ve made some right decisions along the way. Everything great in my life has come through the team. Just God’s favor. God’s plan for my life. I’ve just tried to honor Him as I’ve gone about my business.”
Swinney has led the Tigers to two CFP National Championship titles in 2016 and 2018. During his induction ceremony at his hometown high school in Alabama, alongside 19 other honorees, Swinney reiterated his admiration in his speech.
“I’ve experienced a lot of life, but everything for me comes back to Pelham. I’m very intentional when people ask me where I’m from. I always tell them, ‘I’m from Pelham, Alabama,’ and I’m proud of that.
“Every time I come back here, it doesn’t matter how far removed I am. It feels like yesterday … Pelham gave me toughness, a belief in myself, and just a competitive fire.”
MORE: Top 10 Youngest Head Coaches To Win a College Football National Championship
Swinney is a proven winner and is one of only three active college football coaches to have won a national title.
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