Tommy Bowden

When Tommy Bowden graduated from the University of West Virginia, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father and enter college football coaching. He gained broad experience as an Assistant Coach working at a number of schools, including Florida State, Duke, Alabama, and Kentucky, and spent 6 years as Offensive Coordinator at Auburn University from 1991 – 1996.

He became the Head Coach at Tulane University in 1997, and spent the next 2 years turning the troubled program around. The Green Wave had a record of 4-18 in the two years prior to Bowden’s arrival, but reversed course in the following two years to post a record of 18-4. He also finished with an 11-1 conference mark, and finished the 1998 season both undefeated, and ranked #7 in the nation in both polls.

In 1999, Tommy became the Head Coach at Clemson University and had a record of 72-45 (.615) over the following 10 years. He had 43 ACC wins and took the Tigers to 8 bowl appearances. He was twice named ACC Coach of the Year (1993, 2003), and in 2006, he was given the Grant Teaff National Coach of the Year Award by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Off the field, Clemson graduated nearly 80 percent of its seniors in his 10 years.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, he is married to the former Linda Joan White and has two children, Ryan and Lauren.