Tommy Bowden had 9 straight winning seasons, won 3 of 8 bowl games (no bowl in 2004 as punishment for a brawl). They certainly weren't elite, but also no Willingham / Weis trainwreck.
Regularly recruited well, if not elite. Lower expectations, and a much easier schedule than ND plays year-in, year-out. Great facilities, great gameday atmosphere, closer to southern talent.
He also won only 1 conference title in his first 8 years, and has 2 undefeated regular seasons in 12 years. He has a NC, but it took him 9 years to get there.
In their first 10 years (ND's ridiculously vacated wins included here):
Swinney / Kelly
1 undefeated regular season / 2 undefeated regular seasons
7 10+ win seasons / 5 (had 4 earlier) 10+ win seasons
6 bowl wins / 5 bowl wins
3-2 NC & playoff games / 0-2 NC & playoff games
1 NC / 0 NC
1 Coach of the Year / 2 Coach of the Year
1 losing season / 1 losing season
They aren't that far apart, all other things being equal. If ND wins the title this year, I'd say their resumes are about equal for 11 years of coaching.