CLEMSON, S.C. - Terry Don Phillips says Clemson's small-town environment and the attitude visible at the land grant institution isn't that much different from Stillwater, Okla.
So when the Tigers called, Oklahoma State's athletic director decided to pack up his stuff and move.
``Clemson has been with me for a long time,'' Phillips said after slipping on an orange blazer Tuesday at the news conference announcing his hiring. ``Just having come down here and seeing something really special, it has stayed with me.''
Phillips said he was attracted by Clemson's financially sound base. The school was debt-free for several years before issuing $20 million in bonds in 2001 for structural improvements to Death Valley, Littlejohn Coliseum and others facilities.
``Obviously Clemson has a much better budget than Oklahoma State,'' Phillips said. ``I'm a lot smarter with money than without.''
Oklahoma State traditionally has had one of the smaller budgets in the Big 12 conference.
Many also think Clemson is close to massive athletic success. University President John Barker set goals for the school that include winning a national title in football and two in Olympic sports, as well as attending two basketball Final Fours in 10 years.
Phillips is replacing Bobby Robinson, who's retiring at the end of the month after leading the Tigers' athletic department for 17 years. Robinson is the longest serving athletic director currently in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
``Terry Don Phillips is one of the top athletic directors in the nation, and we're delighted that he's decided Clemson is where he wants to be,'' Barker said. ``He is a perfect fit for Clemson.''
And Phillips already knows who he isn't supposed to like too. During a recent visit to his son's workplace, Phillips saw a South Carolina hat. ``I said, 'J.D., we don't wear that cap anymore,''' he said.
Phillips is gearing up for his July 1 start date. He plans to begin by surveying everything from academics and fiscal integrity to services and transportation at Clemson.
``We need to get a feel for where we're going in each area,'' he said. ``I believe strongly in strategic plans.''
Phillips also plans to become familiar with Clemson's construction initiatives and help prioritize those that affect the athletic department.
``We have to put our student athletes in an environment where we can create excellence,'' he said.
Phillips, hired by Oklahoma State from Arkansas in 1994, is credited with leading the development of the OSU Athletic Center, including renovations to Gallagher-Iba Arena and Lewis Field.
His resignation follows a difficult stretch that began in November 2000 with the firing of football coach Bob Simmons, whom Phillips had hired six seasons earlier. Simmons led the Cowboys to eight victories and a bowl game in 1997 - the school's best season since 1988 - but that was followed by three straight losing seasons and Phillips' decision that a change was needed.
In January 2001, the school was shaken by a plane crash that killed two basketball players and eight men associated with the basketball program. Phillips was praised by staff members and many victims' families for his handling of that situation, which resulted in a task force earlier this year implementing sweeping changes in Oklahoma State's travel policy.
The incident has affected the way he reviews travel arrangements for student athletes and staff, Phillips said, his voice wavering.
``It reminded me of our duty and obligation to do everything we possibly can for their safety,'' he said.
Phillips is a former Arkansas football player who later was an assistant coach there and at Virginia Tech. He also has a law degree from Arkansas.
``I think he's a person who will be a great leader for'' Clemson, said North Carolina State athletic director Lee Fowler, who's known Phillips for 20 years. ``He's friendly, outgoing and has a football background. He will do a great job at Clemson and will lead them to greater heights.''
Despite the cross-state rivalry, Phillips' counterpart at South Carolina also praised Clemson's decision.
``I've known Terry Don for many, many years and have a great deal of respect for him and think very highly of him,'' said Gamecocks athletic director Mike McGee.
Saturday
May 24th, 2025
11:33PM
