Frank Howard is considered by many to be one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, and best known as the head coach of the Clemson University football team, the Clemson Tigers, from 1940 to 1969. During his 30-year tenure as Clemson’s head coach, he amassed… Read full Article…”

Frank Howard: The Legendary Coach Who Built Clemson Football

Frank Howard is considered by many to be one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, and his name remains synonymous with the rise of Clemson University as a football powerhouse. Best known as the head coach of the Clemson Tigers from 1940 to 1969, Howard left an indelible mark on the program, the university, and the sport at large. His legacy is not just one of victories, but of character, resilience, and vision.

Born on March 25, 1909, in Barlow Bend, Alabama, Frank Howard began his football journey at the University of Alabama, where he played as a guard under legendary coach Wallace Wade. After graduating in 1931, Howard accepted a position at Clemson as an assistant football coach—and he never left. By 1940, he was promoted to head coach, beginning a remarkable 30-year career that would transform the Clemson Tigers from a modest southern program into a nationally respected force.

During his tenure, Howard amassed 165 wins, 118 losses, and 12 ties. Under his guidance, Clemson won two Southern Conference titles and six Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championships. Perhaps most notably, Howard led the Tigers to ten bowl games, a rare accomplishment during that era, including the 1949 Gator Bowl victory over Missouri and the 1959 Bluebonnet Bowl win against TCU. His bowl appearances helped put Clemson on the national radar and laid the foundation for the school’s future football success.

But Frank Howard was more than a winning coach—he was a beloved figure on campus, known for his colorful personality, dry wit, and deep commitment to his players. His infamous desk in the athletic office, cluttered with memorabilia and jokes, became almost as iconic as the man himself. He was a fierce competitor but also a father figure, often providing guidance and support to his athletes long after their playing days were over.

One of Howard’s most enduring legacies is “Howard’s Rock,” a mysterious piece of California quartz that he placed atop the hill above Clemson’s Memorial Stadium. In 1967, he challenged his players to rub the rock for luck and give “110 percent” every game. Since then, it has become a cherished tradition and symbol of Clemson football spirit.

Howard retired from coaching in 1969 but remained active as Clemson’s athletic director until 1971. In recognition of his monumental contributions, the university named its football stadium “Frank Howard Field” in his honor. He was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.

Frank Howard passed away in 1996, but his influence remains deeply woven into the fabric of Clemson’s identity. Every chant, every home game, every rub of the rock is a tribute to a man who helped turn a small-town program into a national contender. His name, legacy, and character continue to inspire generations of Clemson athletes and fans, ensuring that his legend lives on—on and off the field.