A look at Clemson news and milestones during the Dan Radakovich era
The University of Miami has announced Dan Radakovich as its next athletic director on Thursday morning. Radakovich spent nine years at Clemson in the same position after leaving Georgia Tech in 2012.
Clemson’s official bio of Radakovich says he “continuously led the Tiger athletic department to high achievements, both on the field and in the classroom, while developing significant upgrades in finance and facilities. Since his arrival, Radakovich has led Clemson athletics to a period of sustained success and growth, considered among the greatest stretches in school history.”
On Thursday morning, Radakovich released a statement on Twitter, calling his time at Clemson “a true honor.”
“While we won national and conference championships, what will stick with me the most are the incredible students, coaches and staff who proudly represent Clemson every day and the passionate fans and IPTAY supporters who love this institution,” he wrote. “The future is bright for Clemson Athletics and that is a testament to the community coming together to achieve great things. I wish Clemson the very best and I will forever be grateful to all of you for allowing my family and I to be a part of your family.”
Here’s a review of Radakovich and Clemson milestones since his hire.
Dec. 1, 2012: Named the 13th director of athletics in Clemson history, replacing Terry Don Phillips.
Oct. 16, 2013: Radakovich one of 13 people on the first College Football Playoff committee ahead of the playoff’s start in 2014.
June 4, 2015: Clemson fires longtime baseball coach Jack Leggett
June 18, 2015: Clemson hires Monte Lee from College of Charleston as new baseball coach.
Jan. 9, 2017: Clemson defeats Alabama 35-31 in the football national championship.
March 14, 2017: Clemson announces it will add a softball program and eliminate women’s diving.
Nov. 3, 2017: John Rittman names softball program’s first coach.
April 12, 2018: Clemson hires Amanda Butler from Florida as the new women’s basketball coach.
Jan. 7, 2019: Clemson defeats Alabama 44-19 in the football national championship.
April 26, 2019: Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney agrees to 10-year, $93 million contract extension.
Feb. 12, 2020: Clemson’s softball team makes its debut at the newly built Clemson Softball Stadium.
Nov. 5, 2020: Clemson announces it will discontinue its men’s track and field and cross country program, reducing the school’s future varsity sport offerings to 16.
April 22, 2021: Clemson says it will keep the men’s track and field and cross country program after all.
June 17, 2021: The school says it will add women’s lacrosse and women’s gymnastics over the next two years.
Aug. 2, 2021: Allison Kwolek named Clemson’s first women’s lacrosse coach.
Other moments and milestones
▪ During the 2017-18 academic year, Clemson became the first school in history to reach the College Football Playoff, advance to the Sweet 16 of the men’s basketball NCAA tournament and host a baseball regional.
▪ In 2020-21, Clemson had its best finish in the Learfield Directors’ Cup since 2007, finishing No. 36. Highlighting the athletic year, the football program claimed the ACC title and appeared in the College Football Playoff, the men’s soccer program claimed the 2020 ACC championship, and the women’s soccer program advanced to the Elite Eight in their sixth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
▪ During Radakovich’s tenure, IPTAY has seen more than $200 million in contributions and he was instrumental in the Cornerstone Partner Program, which together has helped fund more than $80 million in scholarships and numerous investments in the student-athlete experience.
▪ The Clemson athletic department set a school record for the highest score in the NCAA’s graduation success rate at 93 percent in 2020, while a school-record seven programs were recognized by the NCAA for outstanding APR. Clemson has been at 91 percent or higher for seven straight years.
This story was originally published December 9, 2021 at 11:16 AM.
