CLEMSON, S.C. -- Clemson officially introduced Dabo Swinney as the university's new head football coach at a news conference Monday 5 p.m.

Swinney said he accepted the position with humility. He slipped into the Clemson-orange blazer, sat down at the news conference, and couldn't speak for a moment as he was overcome with emotion.

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Swinney said that he is not usually emotional, but he said, "I guess I hadn't had a chance to be emotional until today."

He stopped repeatedly throughout his acceptance speech, and his voice cracked with emotion.

He said he would take the platform he has been given and would "thank God." He said, "There's really only one reason that an ole boy from Pelham, Alabama is sitting in front of you today -- and that's the grace of God."

Swinney went on to thank a long list of people that included the Clemson player and coaches, other coaches who have influenced him through the years, and his wife Kathleen and sons; Will, Drew and Clay.

In his thanks, Swinney acknowledged Tommy Bowden, who he replaced after he resigned October 13.

He said it was "an honor to build on the foundation (Bowden) left behind."

Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips offered Swinney the job on Sunday. Some people thought he was a long-shot to end up with the head job.

But Swinney went 4-2 in his 48 days as the interim head coach, winning his final three games -- including Saturday's 31-14 victory over the University of South Carolina.

He said his goals this season were to unify the players as well as the Clemson community. With the Tiger Walk and the Tigers' play on the field, Swinney feels he accomplished both of those goals.

After Saturday's victory in Death Valley, Swinney said the Tiger players have come together as a team.

Swinney told WYFF's Geoff Hart that he has been "preparing for his job for his entire life."

On Monday, Swinney said, "To be here as the coach of Clemson, that doesn't just happen."

He said, "The secret to success is put your eyes on the Lord, believe in yourself, and don't quit."

The 39-year-old has been with the Tigers since 2003. For the first 5 and a half years he was the wide receivers' coach.

He is the 25th head football coach in Clemson history.

It's expected that Swinney will be paid at least $1 million a year.

Tonight at 11 p.m. on WYFF News 4, hear from Swinney's family -- what they think about his new job.