Bowden, who coached at Clemson from 1999-2008, benched veteran quarterback Willie Simmons in favor of freshman Charlie Whitehurst during the 2002 season.
Simmons went 4-4 in eight games as a starter before being replaced by Whitehurst before Clemson’s 34-31 victory at Duke. In 10 games, he completed 142-244 passes for 1559 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Tigers in completions and passing yardage.
It was Whitehurst who emerged from the backup spot to lead the Tigers to victory, however, and he started the remainder of his four-year career.
Swinney has veteran Kelly Bryant, who went 12-2 as a starter last season and led Clemson to an ACC Championship.