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Bowden's Indirect Clemson Legacy
Categories: Sports
If Tommy Bowden had decided to finish out the season (even as he knew the likely fate that awaited him) as Clemson's head coach, athletic director Terry Don Phillips would likely still be putting excessive miles on the university plane.
And Dabo Swinney would be just another ambitious assistant coach with dreams of one day running his own team.
"It would have been a very slim proposition, very slim," Phillips said Monday regarding Swinney's chances of having any shot at becoming the Tigers head football coach had he not undergone a seven-week audition as the interim after Bowden's Oct. 13 departure. "If that were they dynamic, even though you feel real strong about (Swinney), the fact he wasn't a coordinator would go against him and if you didn't have this success it would be difficult to elevate him.
"Tommy is not a quitter, he has a lot of pride. But his decision to step aside was done and motivated by....No. 1, the fan base was becoming divisive. We all recognized that and certainly Tommy recognized it. But also it was an opportunity to put Dabo in this position. He felt strong about Dabo, I felt strong about Dabo and that was a motivating factor for him to put (his resignation) on the table."
Bowden talked Swinney back into coaching from the business world in 2003 when he offered his former Alabama player a job coaching Clemson's receivers.
"I certainly would not be here without Tommy Bowden," Swinney said. "I want to thank him for the example that he's been to me since 1988 when I first met him. I want to thank him for the wisdom he's given me and most of all for the support he's given me the last seven weeks. It's been unbelievable, it really has. And it's an honor to build on the strong foundation that he left behind."
"He's been extremely supportive. I know I don't have a bigger fan out there than coach Bowden."
14 comments
I believe that Phillips should have gone after a proven coach such as Mike Leach or Gary Patterson. Barring that I would have gone after a successful coordinator such as Charlie Strong (my personal favorite) or Bud Foster.
Now are we being asked to trust Phillips' judgement. This is the same guy who just a few months ago extended Bowden's contract and upped the buyout money. The bottom line for me is why is Phillips still employed by Clemson?
There's a reason guys like Charlie Strong & Bud Foster are still coordinators, despite jobs coming open every year. They just don't have what it takes, whether it's lacking the big picture view or the needed political ability to handle recruits, press, and alumni.
Simply put, Dabo has it and has shown it, including beating Boston (hey, Bowden couldn't do that!).
Dabo is a great choice. For all those who think he is not I would like to remind them of a coach named Danny Ford. He was also a bama player and coach and had no head coaching experience.I think he did well!
dabbo. give him time.rome was not built overnite. we will be ok
Several comments made on here refer to "when Davis, Spiller are gone.." Hellloooo, Blondie.. That would affect whomever is head coach. That's what good recruiters do.. Recruit!!! The ideal situation would be for many of our best players to go to the pros after their junior years.. Kids would be lined up to sign with a program like that.
You go, Dabo... I am excited to see you mold the team...
Regards, Sardine Bowl selection committee.
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