Before Dabo Swinney became Clemson’s head football coach, he was the Tigers’ interim head coach in 2008.

A Clemson coaching change led to Swinney serving as interim leader for the final six games of that season. The Tigers won four of the seven contests with Swinney running the show.

Swinney was named permanent head coach at Clemson ahead of the 2009 season.

Swinney, whose 7-5 Clemson squad faces 6-6 Penn State in the Dec. 27 Pinstripe Bowl in New York City, has won 187 games and two national titles with the Tigers.

But that interim head coaching job? That was a challenge for Swinney.

Swinney was asked earlier this week about the job Terry Smith has done as PSU’s interim head coach.

The Lions are 3-3 on Smith’s watch with a chance to finish 4-3 before Matt Campbell takes over as Pe

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