Swinney named 2014 Grant Teaff Coach of the Year

by CU Athletic Communications - Mon Jan 12 15:00:37 GMT-04:00 2015

Clemson, S.C.— Dabo Swinney has been named the Grant Teaff National Coach of the Year by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Swinney was presented the award Sunday at an FCA event held in conjunction with the American Football Coaches Association Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

Swinney led Clemson to a 10-3 season in 2014, including a 6-2 mark in the ACC. The Tigers won at least 10 games for the fourth consecutive year and Swinney joins Nick Saban as the only FBS head coaches to accomplish that feat. The Tigers ended the season with three consecutive wins for the first time since 2005, including triumphs over rival South Carolina, 35-17, in the regular season finale, and a 40-6 win over No. 24 Oklahoma in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

Final rankings for the 2014 season will be announced on Tuesday. The Tigers look to be ranked in the top 15 for the third consecutive year and in the top 25 for a fourth straight season.

This is the second time in four years Swinney has been honored with a national coach of the year award. In 2011 he was named the recipient of the Bobby Dodd Award.

Named after Grant Teaff, former Baylor University coach, AFCA executive director and Trustee Emeritus of the FCA Board of Trustees, the Coach of the Year Award presented by FCA recognizes a football coach who exemplifies Christian principles and who is involved in FCA. The award is also based on the success and performance of the coach’s team that season. Previous winners include Tommy Bowden, Tommy Tuberville and Jerry Kill.

Former Clemson assistant coach Art Baker was also honored at the event as he won the Grant Teaff Lifetime Achievement Award

“The Fellowship of Christian Athletes honored two coaching greats who have not only put many W’s in the win column, but also impacted countless players during their careers,” said Les Steckel, President and CEO of FCA. “We congratulate Clemson University Head Coach Dabo Swinney and longtime coaching great Art Baker for their many, many contributions to college football.”

Palmetto Bowl Trophy Presentation - 2014