Tommy Bowden, head football coach at Clemson University over the past 10 years has stepped down as coach according to officials at the school. In other conflicting reports, Bowden was fired, however those reports can’t be confirmed. But regardless, Bowden is out at Clemson at mid-season of the 2008 football campaign.
The underperforming and overrated Clemson Tigers were a dream to gamblers who didn’t buy into the Tigers pre-season hype. The Tigers were an almost unanimous preseason pick to win their first ACC title under Bowden and were ranked No. 9 in the preseason polls.
Although Clemson went to a bowl almost every year, they almost always underperformed their expectations. It was rumored entering this season, Bowden’s Tigers must win the ACC title or he would be fired. After going 3-3 in the first half of the season and disappointing losses to Alabama, Maryland and Wake Forest, it was almost certain Bowden would not survive as coach.
Wide receivers and assistant head coach Dabo Swinney was named as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
At mid-season the Tigers were 3-3 SU and 0-4 ATS. The only SU win against a team with a pulse was against North Carolina State. The Tigers enjoyed easy wins against FCS teams Citadel and South Carolina State.
Moments after the news was distributed to the airwaves, experts are already projecting who will replace Bowden at the school. Names being talked about are Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez and recently fired Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin.
Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have Clemson listed as +1.0 home underdogs for Saturday’s game with Georgia Tech.
