Bowden’s indifference more evidence of why he must be fired

By Marc Hudgens  |   Thursday, October 02, 2008  |  Comments( 3 )

Clemson Tigers
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In a nutshell, Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden -- whose team is 3-2 heading into October and readying for the hardest part of its schedule -- basically stated during a Monday press conference that nothing is going to change. That undoubtedly adds insult to injury for Clemson fans, who were expecting this year to finally be a breakthrough campaign for the Bowden-led Tigers.

When asked if major changes are forthcoming, whether at quarterback or in the play-calling, Bowden said no.

When asked if he felt Clemson had underachieved in its first five games, Bowden said that's up the media decide. Hey, far be it from the head coach to discern whether his team is playing up to the proper standard.

When asked if he is still confident in offensive coordinator Rob Spence’s, Bowden responded, "Yes. Just look at his record."

As opposed to making big changes, Bowden will attempt to correct the littler things.

Bowden’s tone, his lack of solid answers and his refusal to make change either comes across as coy or outright smacks of complacent hubris. Don’t scoff -- he is no stranger to making condescending remarks

"I haven't given the people what they really, really want — which is an undefeated and unscored-on team every year," Bowden arrogantly said last week.

In just five games, Clemson, the ACC’s chosen one before the season, has entered and fallen out of the Top 25 twice, and it hasn't beaten a worthwhile team. To say fans are disappointed, as Bowden has claimed, is a gross understatement -- they’re flat-out enraged.

In addition to dissatisfaction from fans, Bowden's teams have also endured stinging public criticism from Clemson legends such as Joe Bostic and Brentson Buckner. In addition, Bowden is likely not in athletic director Terry Don Phillips’ favor after the Arkansas stunt Bowden pulled following last season; that, of course, forced a contract extension. To lose this much and be nonchalant about it gives the football program and university a black eye, and that is inexcusable.

Clemson football is arguably at its most controversial state since the Danny Ford firing 18 years ago, and Bowden just seems more aloof than anything else. Perhaps it’s the $4 million buyout that affords him the privilege of indifference. Perhaps he’s running out of excuses and has resorted to dodging pointed questions. Perhaps he’s simply out of ideas on how to correct the Tigers’ poor lot. Perhaps all three.

One way or another, this isn’t working out between Bowden and Clemson.

It probably won't happen, but Clemson -- if it every wants to make any progress -- needs to fire Bowden.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He...
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