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Netflix is set to release a long-awaited documentary on Frank Howard, the legendary Clemson football coach who led the Tigers for three decades and became one of college football’s most revered figures. Known affectionately as “The Bashful Baron of Barlow Bend,” Howard’s impact on Clemson University and the sport of football is immeasurable.(SI)
Born in 1909 in Barlow Bend, Alabama, Howard played guard for the University of Alabama under Coach Wallace Wade. After an injury curtailed his playing career, he joined Clemson’s coaching staff in 1931. By 1940, he was named head coach, a position he held until his retirement in 1969. Over his 30 years as head coach, Howard amassed 165 wins, making him the fifth-winningest coach in college football at the time .(clemsonwiki.com, Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site)
Under Howard’s leadership, Clemson achieved significant success, including an undefeated season in 1948 and six Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championships. He also led the Tigers to ten bowl games and was instrumental in establishing the IPTAY booster club, which remains a cornerstone of Clemson’s athletic funding .(Wikipedia, Clemson Junkies)
One of Howard’s most enduring legacies is the tradition of “Howard’s Rock.” A friend gave him a rock from California’s Death Valley, which Howard used as a doorstop in his office. In 1966, he had it placed at the top of the hill in Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, where players now rub it before running onto the field—a ritual that has become one of college football’s most iconic traditions .(Clemson Junkies, The State)
Beyond his coaching achievements, Howard’s influence extended to his role as athletic director and his continued presence at Clemson even after his official retirement. He remained a beloved figure, known for his colorful language and deep connection to the university. In recognition of his contributions, the playing surface at Memorial Stadium was named “Frank Howard Field,” and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989 .(Clemson Football, TigerNet.com)
The upcoming Netflix documentary promises to delve into Howard’s multifaceted legacy, offering insights into his coaching philosophy, personal anecdotes, and the lasting impact he had on Clemson University and college football as a whole. For fans of the sport and the Tigers, this film will be a poignant tribute to a coach whose influence continues to resonate.
