Re: It was a negotiated settlement between the parties.

> Bowden did some good things, but he had reached his
> ceiling in terms of what he could accomplish at
> Clemson IMO. At the end of the day, the alumni/fans
> expectations exceeded his capabilities. So he was
> fired, and the powers that be thought Dabo was a
> better alternative. (which I think has proven to be
> correct)
>
> I wouldn't be surprised if a similar scenario occurs
> in South Carolina in the near future with Steve
> Spurrier. I don't see them getting any better than
> they were this year. Now that they have seen the
> good ole days… anything less than that won't be
> acceptable. A loss to Clemson next year could be
> huge for both programs.

There's SOME truth in what you post, but the SOS thing is not that simple. Spurrier is not Frank McGuire. He's so well connected with the media that USC could never 'pull a McGuire' by forcing him out if the wins go downhill. That scenario is unlikely to happen, anyway, since he's stated publically that he'll quit when he stops having fun and having fun for him is double-digit winning seasons every year. We'll see.

Swarley

Gridiron Giant [15955]

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Posts: 17501

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It was a negotiated settlement between the parties.

Jan 20, 2014, 10:15 AM

All reports indicate that Tommy was given an ultimatum after the Wake debacle in 2008 that he had to win the ACC THAT YEAR or he was going to be let go. Tommy decided that maybe walking away right then and there would be better for both parties (Clemson can move on, focus on the next guy, start recruiting, etc, and Tommy can hit the golf course rather than turn himself inside out to go after something he probably thought was a pipe dream). So the decision was made to pay him $3.5 million of his buy-out and part ways.

You guys act like TDP and Barker were such fools for agreeing to this but I promise you that Bowden didn't walk into TDP's office and say "I QUIT! Now...let's discuss my buy-out." It would be a discussion. "Look TDP...I think the ACC Championship is out of reach with where I am with this team. Let's discuss an immediate change so that Clemson can start the process with the next coach. What could we do with my buy out?" Blah blah blah.

The alternative is for TB to say "Nothing? Okay...I'll stay on until the end of the season and then you can fire me and pay me $4 million (his buyout if we fired him at the end of 2008). By the way, the team is almost certainly going to tank hard this year with me at the helm and you're going to lose a ton of recruiting momentum and maybe a chance at some other coaches while I limp along as a lame duck coach...up to you."

Further, I like the idea of sending TDP in to negotiate with the next coach after leaving TB with NO money on a technicality. THAT'S the institution that a guy with options chooses to work for.

TB was a good coach and a good guy. We parted on good terms at the right time. I wish people would stop trying to vilify him, or TDP, or Barker. All parties handled it well and we're much better off today for it.

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can someone explain why we paid TB

They paid him to go away.***

Re: They paid him to go away.- Right after Barker

Re: can someone explain why we paid TB

The Board gave the CEO a raise, then used it as a comp for

one of the ALL TIME BONEHEAD moves in Clemson history!

Re: one of the ALL TIME BONEHEAD moves in Clemson history!

No matter the reason, We are better off***

Re: No matter the reason, We are better off- Yep

Re: No matter the reason, We are better off- Yep

Re: No matter the reason, We are better off- Yep

So you're saying this is the year...? That's how I see it.***

It was a negotiated settlement between the parties.

Re: It was a negotiated settlement between the parties.

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