Bowden's career at ClemsonBy Ashleigh Orthen
Tommy Bowden is no longer Clemson's head football coach. Bowden resigned Monday morning after almost 10 seasons heading up the Tiger football program.
Clemson Athletics Director Terry Don Phillips said Bowden suggested the resignation. Phillips says he did not fire Bowden or tell him he could lose his job.
"I didn't have to," Phillips said. "We both understand that the conference championship was critically important."
Phillips said Bowden has been a good coach, but winning the conference is most important.
"You look at Tommy's record, he has a very good record and done a lot of great things. But when you get in year nine, 10, 11, in that category, and you haven't won the conference, then is becomes a credibility issue."
Receivers coach Dabo Swinney will replace Bowden as interim coach for the final six regular-season games and possible bowl game. He will lead the Tigers to play Georgia Tech this Saturday.
"I'm going to make mistakes, but I promise you I'm going to make them at full speed," said Swinney. "You're looking at a coach that has nothing to lose."
Bowden will be paid until the end of the season. He will then receive a $3.5 million buyout negotiated in his contract.
Bowden had a 72-45 overall record and went 43-32 in ACC games.
