``If I'm here,'' Swinney adds.
That's the biggest question left to settle this fall for the Tigers (5-5, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference), who close a league season they were expected to dominate at Virginia on Saturday.
Should Clemson win there and then again at home against rival South Carolina, it could qualify for one of the ACC's bottom-tier bowls.
It sure wasn't what anyone, including Swinney, thought would happen last August when the Tigers were No. 9 in the country and the runaway favorites to win an ACC title.
But given the turbulence that struck the Tigers midseason with longtime coach Tommy Bowden's departure, it's an outcome that might just win the interim coach the job permanently.
Swinney ``really saved the program, I guess you could say,'' said Cullen Harper, Clemson's senior quarterback.
Still, Swinney could use a couple of more victories to back up that belief.
On this six-game job audition, ``it's always good when you win,'' Swinney said.
Athletic director Terry Don Phillips said on Oct. 13 when Bowden left Swinney would be a candidate for the full-time job.
Swinney's Clemson future has been much like the stock market unable to predict.
He's gone 2-2 as coach.
At times, like the 21-17 home loss to Georgia Tech five days after the change, Clemson was the same, befuddled, struggling group that bumbled through the first six games of the season.
But Swinney says Clemson's grown crisper and more confident as his tenure has settled in.
``I've kind of gotten into a routine after we've come out from under the hurricane,'' Swinney said.
Phillips, the AD, has contacted several potential replacements, talking with ex-Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin and college defensive coordinators Brent Venables of Oklahoma and Bud Foster of Virginia Tech.
Whoever coaches next season should have several of the ACC's most highly regarded prospects, including first-year runner Jamie Harper and freshman defensive lineman Da'Quan Bowers.
Spiller, who has accounted for four TDs and 589 yards the past three games, would be another plus should he stay for his senior season.
Clemson's ``Lightning'' admitted he's torn at time on whether he's playing his last games. ``Right now, I'm just having fun with my teammates,'' he said.
After the season, Spiller says he and his family will decide.
Foster told reporters after the Hokies' practice Monday night he was told the Tigers would decide within three weeks.
A big-time finish by Swinney could sway Phillips and university administrators.
``I told the guys, this is the playoffs,'' defensive coordinator Vic Koenning said. ``Texas cage match, loser goes home.''
Swinney looks like perhaps the most positive person on the planet. Every obstacle is an opportunity. Each mistake, a chance to get better.
So it's no surprise that Swinney's kept the burden of future employment off players.
``They've never mentioned it,'' said Harper, Clemson's quarterback. The coaches ``have done a good job putting us in positions to succeed.''
Just look at the offense, which has gone from six turnovers in Dabo's debut loss to the Yellow Jackets to zero in last week's 31-7 victory over Duke.
On defense, the Tigers surrendered 419 yards in the Florida State loss yet gave up only 168 to the Blue Devils.
``We are getting better and they feel themselves getting better,'' Swinney said.
Swinney understands even two more victories might not matter to his cause come decision day. ``But I want to have a Spiller for Heisman '09, ready just in case,'' Swinney said, smiling.
Clemson's coach Dabo Swinney reacts to his team during the first half of their NCAA college football game against Duke on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. / photo: Associated Press
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/11/215329