HOUSTON — Being born and raised in Pelham, Alabama, young Dabo Swinney watched “The `Bear’ Bryant Show” every Sunday morning and hoped to one day play for him and the Crimson Tide.

Swinney eventually walked on at Alabama as a wide receiver, but years after Bryant was gone. Now, though, the Clemson coach will forever be linked with his hero.

Swinney won the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year award on Wednesday night, announced by the American Heart Association.

“Just amazing, it really is. This is really not anything I ever dreamed of, to be honest with you, this is kind of beyond that,” Swinney said.