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Swinney hopes new Clemson deal squashes Alabama speculation

Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Dabo Swinney hopes his new 10-year, $93-million contract with Clemson ends speculation he could one day succeed Nick Saban at Alabama, his alma mater.

"People always like to say one plus one equals two, and it's a simple thing," Swinney told ESPN's David M. Hale. "I don't pay any attention. I was at Alabama 13 years. I love Alabama and always will. That won't change. But I'm going on my 17th year at Clemson, my 11th as head coach. I love where I am, love what I do."

In addition to playing wide receiver as a walk-on at Alabama, Swinney began his coaching career with the Crimson Tide. He also grew up in the state.

Clemson rewarded the 49-year-old with the largest coaching contract in college football history in April after he defeated his former program in the national championship for the second time in three years.

Swinney added the new deal was designed to "send a message" about his commitment to the Tigers, though he acknowledged his situation at Clemson isn't immune to future change.

"Who knows what's going to happen down the road? I have no idea," he said. "I just try to be great where my feet are. That's my focus every day. Who knows? They may do away with college football in three years. There may be no college football. They may want to professionalize college athletics. Well, then, maybe I'll go to the pros. If I'm going to coach pro football, I might as well do that. I may get a terrible president or a terrible AD one day. I don't know. I have no idea what's down the road. But I know what we have at Clemson is special, and I wanted to make a commitment to the university. That's what the message of the contract was."

Swinney owns a 116-30 record at Clemson since taking over the program in 2008.

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