Story perspectives

Clemson AD Terry Don Phillips, 78, Dies—Hired Swinney

5/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips died at age 78 on Tuesday while in hospice.
Phillips served as athletic director from 2002-2012, hiring Brad Brownell, Mike Noonan and Eddie Radwanski, yielding 13 ACC championships.
He promoted Dabo Swinney to interim head coach in 2008 after Tommy Bowden’s resignation and later made him permanent.
Swinney then led Clemson to national titles in 2016 and 2018, becoming the school’s winningest football coach.

1 of 1

Story summary

Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips died at age 78 on Tuesday while in hospice.
Phillips served as athletic director from 2002-2012, hiring Brad Brownell, Mike Noonan and Eddie Radwanski, yielding 13 ACC championships.
He promoted Dabo Swinney to interim head coach in 2008 after Tommy Bowden’s resignation and later made him permanent.
Swinney then led Clemson to national titles in 2016 and 2018, becoming the school’s winningest football coach.