Breaking News: Tommy Bowden Steps Down as Clemson Head Coach
October 13, 2008
Talk about the end of an era. Just an hour ago, Clemson University Head Coach Tommy Bowden announced that he is stepping down from the position he has held for the past ten years.
Bowden has been trying for a decade to emulate the success of his father, Florida State coaching legend Bobby Bowden, but a 3-3 at Clemson start failed to meet high preseason expectations, and Bowden knew he was on the way out.
Tommy met with Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips this morning and agreed to end his tenure, effective immediately. While Bowden came into Tiger Town back in 1998 a real live football hero, his record this season has been less than stellar, and the prospects of a bowl game have all but disappeared.
In a press conference moments ago, Phillips said that Bowden was "not fired," but had decided to "Step down so that the program can move forward." Initial reactions from students at Clemson were positive, with many saying they are ready for Bowden to move on so their program can bring in a fresh coach and rebuild the dynasty. When asked if he had given Bowden an ultimatum, Phillips replied, "I didn't have to."
As a South Carolina based football lover who has watched his own fair share of both Gamecocks and Tigers contests, I tip my hat to Tommy Bowden, a man who always gave it his best shot, and won a lot of football games over the years. It'll be interesting to see how the rest of the season pans out. Go Tigers.
Keep it Real. Keep it Southern.
Buffalo
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