Clemson's Swinney Wins Third Bryant Award

Clemson's Dabo Swinney was named the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award winner for the third time on January 9 at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston. NSMA members voted after the completion of the college football championship game on January 7 and Swinney won the Bryant Award for the third time in the last four years. The Award is the centerpiece of an annual fundraising dinner for the Houston chapter of the American Heart Association. This year's dinner and auction combined to raise more than $1.75 million, bringing the total raised in the 33-year history of the event to more than $10 million.

NSMA executive director Dave Goren and Board national chair Bob Ryan represented the NSMA. They were called to the stage by master of ceremonies John Rhadigan of FOX Sports Southwest, so that Ryan could introduce Bear Bryant's grandson, Mark Bryant Tyson. Tyson opened the envelope that contained Swinney's name as the winner.

The other finalists for the Bryant Award were: Bill Clark (UAB), Josh Heupel (UCF), Brian Kelly (Notre Dame), Jeff Monken (Army), Nick Saban (Alabama), and Jeff Tedford (Fresno State).

Longtime Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer was recognized as the Lifetime Achievement winner.

Marathon Oil is the presenting sponsor for the Bryant Awards dinner.