HOUSTON — Dabo Swinney won his second straight Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year award Wednesday night, two days after leading Clemson to its first national championship in 35 years.

Swinney is only the second coach to win the award twice, joining Chris Petersen — the winner in 2006 and 2009 at Boise State — and the first to win it in back-to-back seasons.

“Both just incredibly special,” Swinney said. “Fresh off a national championship win against Alabama and to be chosen and honored this way again is something I never would have dreamed of ever.”

Swinney led Clemson to back-to-back appearances in the national championship game, avenging last year’s loss to Alabama on Monday night with a 35-31 victory over the Crimson Tide. The Tigers are 89-28 in eight seasons under Swinney, going 28-2 the last two seasons.

“It’s been really beautiful to watch and really beautiful to be a part of,” Swinney said.