Bowden Steps Down as Head Coach at Clemson

Oct. 13, 2008

Clemson, SC-

Clemson University and Head Football Coach Tommy Bowden parted ways on Monday. After two meetings on Monday morning between Bowden and Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips, it was agreed upon that Bowden would no longer be the Clemson Head Coach. He will be replaced by Assistant Head Coach Dabo Swinney (pronounced DA-boh SWEE-nee) on an interim basis.

“Terry Don Phillips approached me this morning and we agreed that this is the best solution for the direction of the program,” said Bowden. “Clemson has been very good to me and my family. Both of our children are Clemson graduates.

“I appreciate the opportunity Clemson University gave me and the support of the administration while I was here. I also want to thank all the players and coaches who worked so hard for this program the last 10 years.

“I wish Clemson University nothing but the best in the future.”

Bowden coached Clemson for 10 seasons (including 2008) and posted a 72-45 record for his 117 games. He never had a losing season. Including his two years at Tulane when he posted an 18-4 record, Bowden has a career record of 90-49, a 65.2 winning percentage.

He leaves Clemson third in school history in wins with 72, games coached with 117, and wins over top-25 teams with 13. Included in the list of ranked wins are three of Clemson’s six top-10 road wins in history. He led the Tigers with a win at #9 Georgia Tech in 2001, #10 Miami (FL) in 2004, and #9 Florida State in 2006.

Four of his nine previous teams finished the year ranked in the top 25 of both polls. His highest-ranked team was the 2000 edition that finished with a 9-3 record and a #14 ranking by USA Today and #16 by Associated Press. That team began the year with an 8-0 record and reached a #4 national ranking by USA Today.

While Bowden never won the ACC Championship at Clemson, he never had a losing record in ACC play when he coached a complete season. He was 43-32 against ACC competition overall. His best ACC record was the 6-2 mark posted in 2000.

The Tigers are 3-3 so far this year, including 1-2 in the ACC. The Tigers have wins over N.C. State, S.C. State, and The Citadel, with losses against #24 Alabama, Maryland, and #21 Wake Forest. Alabama is currently ranked #2 in the nation and Wake Forest is #21.