Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images

After winning national title, Clemson and Dabo Swinney agree to huge contract extension

He deserved it.

Dabo Swinney hasn't always garnered the national respect of a top-flight college football coach but those days are over on the heels of a national title. In addition to the positive bump in reputation, Swinney will now be paid like an elite leader at the position, as Clemson announced a massive eight-year, $54 million contract for the head coach.

Videos by FanBuzz

Within the official announcement, Clemson director of athletics Dan Radakovich said the following about Swinney:

"Dabo's impact on our football program, our university and our community is immeasurable and goes well beyond the on-field successes and national championship. This new agreement demonstrates our strong commitment to Dabo and our confidence in his leadership now—and in the future—and his long-term commitment to Clemson.  We are thrilled that he and his family will be a part of the Clemson Family for years to come."

Swinney's current record of 89-28 speaks for itself and, with this pay bump, he leaps into the top five among coaches nationally. To some degree, it remains to be seen if the Clemson program can sustain massive success without Deshaun Watson at the helm but, on the flip side, Swinney's performance has been undeniably impressive at this point.

Clemson has locked up their leader and face for the next eight years and Dabo Swinney is handsomely compensated for his efforts.