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Swinney not interested in LSU opening: Focused on my own 'Death Valley'

Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has no interest in LSU’s coaching vacancy, he told reporters on Tuesday, according to ESPN's David M. Hale.

"This is the only Death Valley I'm concerned with right here," Swinney said, referring to the fact that both Clemson's and LSU's stadiums are nicknamed "Death Valley."

Swinney is among the high-profile candidates reportedly being considered for the LSU job after the program announced it will part ways with coach Ed Orgeron just two years after winning a national title.

Swinney has coached at Clemson since he began working as an assistant in 2003. During his tenure as head coach, Swinney has led his program to a 144-35 record and two national championships.

The 51-year-old is a three-time recipient of the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award as the nation's top coach and has led Clemson to the ACC title and College Football Playoff in each of the past six seasons.

However, that incredible streak could be in jeopardy after a shaky 4-2 start in which the Tigers have yet to score more than 19 points against an FBS opponent.

Following the announcement of Orgeron's departure, Swinney pondered whether fans would have a better understanding of the challenges of coaching a major program.

"Maybe the Clemson people have more appreciation for it now," he said. "It's hard to win."

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