HOUSTON -- Clemson's Dabo Swinney has won the Paul "Bear" Bryant coach of the year award.

Swinney on Wednesday night became the first ACC coach to be honored with the trophy, named for the late Alabama coach.

Clemson was undefeated until losing to Alabama 45-40 on Monday night in the national championship game. The Tigers finished 14-1.

Swinney, who grew up in Alabama and played for a Crimson Tide team that won a national title, is 75-27 in seven seasons at Clemson.