“H” is for Howard, Frank James (1909-1996)

“H” is for Howard, Frank James (1909-1996). Football coach. A native of Barlow Bend, Alabama, Howard played college football at the University of Alabama. Upon graduation in 1930, he accepted a position as assistant football coach at Clemson. In 1940, he was named head coach and directed the Clemson football program for the next thirty seasons. He established several traditions that have become a part of the spectacle and pageantry associated with the Clemson football game—including the players running down a hill at the east end zone and rubbing “Howard’s Rock” for luck as they entered the stadium.  His teams compiled a record of 165 wins; 118 losses; and twelve ties, earned eight conference championships, and appeared in six postseason bowl games. Frank James Howard brought attention to the Clemson football program as much as with his colorful, entertaining personality as with his victories.