With No. 1 Clemson chasing college football's ultimate trophy, coach Dabo Swinney earned notice as the top coach in the game Monday.
Swinney was named AP Coach of the Year, finishing ahead of Iowa's Kirk Ferentz.
"Football is a great team sport and any individual honor is a result of having a great group of players and staff," Swinney said in a release announcing the award. "I am blessed to have student-athletes and coaches that believe in what we do. This award is a reflection of their hard work and commitment."
The Tigers are 13-0 and won the Atlantic Coast Conference title. Clemson has never been ranked No. 1 before this season and Swinney is the first Tigers' coach to win coach of the year.
Clemson will face No. 4 Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl semifinal on Dec. 31 for a spot in the College Football Playoff national championship game. Clemson won the national title in 1981.
