Clemson Football: Ranking the top 10 coaches of all-time in Tiger history

9. Tommy Bowden

Tommy Bowden was never able to get over the hump and win a conference championship as the leader of the Clemson football program.

While many have differing opinions on Bowden’s run as the Tigers’ Head Coach, it should be noted that he took over the program after some of the worst years in its history. He was able to turn things around, get Clemson consistently winning bowl games and beating its in-state rival South Carolina.

As a result, Bowden held the position for a much longer time than most who preceded him. He coached from 1999-2008, finishing with a 72-45 overall record.

One of the most instrumental decisions from Tommy Bowden came on his last days with the Clemson football program. When it was apparent that he was going to have to resign, Bowden recommended to the administration that William Christopher Swinney (also called Dabo) should be the interim.