Herring Resigns Post as Clemson Defensive Coordinator

Jan. 9, 2002

Clemson, SC – Clemson Defensive Coordinator Reggie Herring has resigned his position with the school to become the defensive coordinator at the University of Mississippi. The announcement was made by Mississippi Head Coach David Cutcliffe on Wednesday afternoon.

Herring had been at Clemson since the 1993 Peach Bowl victory over Kentucky. During his career at Clemson he coached in seven bowl games, including four Peach Bowls and two Gator Bowls. He worked five years under Tommy West and three under Tommy Bowden during his eight seasons with the Tigers. He coached Clemson’s linebackers all eight seasons and had served as defensive coordinator since 1997.

In his eight years at Clemson, the defense ranked in the top 20 in the nation in rushing defense five times, including a number-18 ranking in 2000. Four times in his career the Tigers finished the season in the top 25 in scoring defense, including a high of #10 in the nation in 1995. The Tigers ranked in the top 20 in the nation in pass defense twice, including a number-17 ranking in 1999. Clemson was also in the top 25 of the final national total defense ranking twice during his tenure.

Herring coached two of Clemson’s greatest linebackers in history in Anthony Simmons (1995-97) and Keith Adams (1998-00). Under Herring’s direction, Simmons became Clemson’s second three-time All-American in history and was a first-round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks. He set a Clemson record for tackles in 1996 with 178.

Adams broke that record in 1999 when he had 186 tackles and an NCAA best 35 tackles for loss and 16 sacks. Adams was a first-team AP All-American in 2000 and was a finalist for the Butkus Award. He played this year with the Dallas Cowboys.

Herring also coached two Academic All-Americans in Andy McCrorey (1994-95) and Chad Carson. Carson was a three-time Academic All-American, the only defensive player in school history to be a three-time selection. He concluded his career with 448 career tackles, fourth in school history. Herring coached three of the top seven tacklers in Clemson history in his eight years with the program.

“I’d like to take this time to thank Coach Tommy Bowden, Athletic Director Bobby Robinson and the entire football staff for giving me and my family the opportunity to be a part of a special place and a first class organization,” said Herring.

“My heart and soul goes out to the players at Clemson, who I love deeply. I wish them the best. While I am sad for leaving, at the same time I’m excited about the new challenges that face me. It is simply time for me to move on.”

Herring will join a Mississippi staff that includes two former Clemson assistants who worked with Herring under Tommy West between 1994-98. Cutcliffe’s staff includes former Clemson coaches Richard Bisaccia and John Latina.

Coach Tommy Bowden on the Resignation of defensive coordinator Reggie Herring

“I appreciate the contributions Reggie Herring made to the Clemson program,” said Head Coach Tommy Bowden. “He will be missed, especially his passion for the players and the game itself. Mississippi is getting a fine coach, a credit to college football.”