Former Clemson University athletic director Terry Don Phillips, whose coaching hires helped shape one of the most successful eras in school history, has died at age 78.
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Clemson announced that Phillips died while in hospice care after battling dementia for more than a decade.
Phillips served as Clemson's athletic director from 2002-12 and was responsible for several of the most important hires in school history, including football coach Dabo Swinney and basketball coach Brad Brownell, both of whom eventually became the winningest coaches in their respective programs.
He also hired men's soccer coach Mike Noonan and women's soccer coach Eddie Radwanski during a period of major athletic growth at Clemson.
Under Phillips' leadership, Clemson won 13 ACC championships across eight sports and recorded dozens of top-25 national finishes. Major facility upgrades were completed throughout the athletic department during his tenure.
Phillips was inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.
Before arriving at Clemson, Phillips served as athletic director at Oklahoma State University from 1994-2002 and previously held administrative positions at Arkansas, Liberty and Southwestern Louisiana.
A former defensive lineman at University of Arkansas, Phillips played under legendary coach Frank Broyles and later earned degrees from both Arkansas and Virginia Tech, including a doctorate and law degree.
Following his retirement in 2012, Phillips publicly battled dementia alongside his wife, Tricia, while remaining connected to college athletics and Clemson supporters.
He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
