School Sport

Clemson football has been one of the South’s pre-eminent programs for over a century. One of their earliest coaches was John Heisman, after whom the annual award for the most outstanding collegiate player is named. Heisman led the Tigers to their first undefeated season in 1900.

Jess Neely led Clemson to their first bowl appearance, the 1940 Cotton Bowl. Neely was followed by Frank Howard, who prowled the sidelines for 30 years, guiding them to six ACC championships. Howard’s legacy includes the naming of Memorial Stadium’s field after him, and “Howard’s Rock”, which Clemson players rub for good luck before home games.

The Charlie Pell era began in 1977, and in his two seasons, Clemson went 18-4-1 , but NCAA rules violations cast a shadow on the program, and Danny Ford took over. In his first game, the 1978 Gator Bowl, Ford’s debut was overshadowed by opposing Ohio State coach Woody Hayes punching a Clemson player, leading to the legendary Hayes’ resignation. Ford presided over Clemson’s “Golden Year” of 1981, during which the Tigers captured the national championship with a 12-0 record.

The fallout from the Pell era resulted in severe NCAA restrictions which eventually led to Ford’s resignation. Ken Hatfield replaced Ford, and his 1991 team won Clemson’s most recent ACC championship. Tommy West and Tommy Bowden followed the Hatfield regime with mixed success, and Bowden was replaced by Dabo Swinney after a disappointing 3-3 start to the 2008 season.