Even though Dabo Swinney has built Clemson into a juggernaut, questions about Alabama are always going to follow him wherever he goes.

That’s because Swinney won a national championship as a member of the Crimson Tide back in the early ’90s and is often mentioned on the short list of potential replacements when Nick Saban eventually retires.

Swinney was asked about the Alabama job once again on Tuesday when he joined “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP. He said he’s happy where he’s at now, having put roots down in Clemson (via AL.com):

“I always smile,” Swinney said when asked what his reaction was when he is asked about coaching at Alabama. “I understand it. That’s kind of the world we live in. I live in the here and now. I stay focused on where I am. I’m incredibly happy here at Clemson. I love where I am. This is my 16th year at Clemson. It’s not like I haven’t dug my roots in here. …

“It’s a special special place that we love dearly. I’ve had three or four opportunities to leave Clemson over the years. This is a place we still have a lot of work left to be done. The dream was to win a national championship here. We’re so happy we could prove we could do that.”

Of course, you never say never in situations like this, but following Saban is an unenviable task for anyone to have to take on.

Swinney will be high on the Tide’s wish list, but they may have to dig a little deeper to replace the legend when the time inevitably comes.