(1999-2008): Tommy Bowden parlayed his initial coaching success at Tulane University (18-4, 1997-1998) into the head coaching position at Clemson, where he compiled a 72-45 record (.615) beginning in 1999 until he resigned midway through the 2008 season after a disappointing 3-3 start. During his tenure at Clemson, Bowden’s teams consistently improved in talent level, but were inconsistent in matching talent to results. Some of the program’s most memorable wins often came alongside some of its most frustrating defeats, and Bowden was never able to “get over the hump,” failing to win ten games in any season, failing to claim an ACC crown, failing to win a major bowl game, and never figuring as a legitimate national title contender over nine-and-a-half seasons.