The way Clemson coach Dabo Swinney describes it, he spent some time recently learning at the foot of football master Mack Brown.

Swinney, who went 4-2 after taking over for ousted Tommy Bowden midway through the 2008 season, took his entire staff to visit Brown’s Texas program for a few days during the off-season.

"It was a great, great experience for me, because here's one of the most successful people out there," Swinney said during an ACC teleconference Wednesday. "It was almost like sitting down and having the CliffsNotes of coaching 101 visiting with Coach Brown."

The gnashing of teeth that has accompanied Texas’ decision to name defensive coordinator Will Muschamp as the (eventual) successor to Mack Brown seems a little overblown.

Combined with Florida State’s earlier announcement that offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher will succeed Bobby Bowden if and when Bowden decides to retire, there certainly seems to be a trend developing. And really, what’s the harm?

Mack Brown's got a national title in his back pocket and he's in line for another this season at Texas. Yet Mack is rarely the answer when the question of "Who's the best college football coach?" is asked.

Joe Posnanski of SI says it's time to recognize Mack as the mack daddy. He gives his reasons, some of which will amuse still-bitter UNC fans, but Posnanski's got a point.