Phillips takes his name out of running for Arkansas’ AD job
Posted on Friday, August 24, 2007
Clemson University athletic director Terry Don Phillips announced Thursday he is not a candidate for the University of Arkansas' athletic director position. He is a former UA senior associate athletic director, former Razorback Foundation president and former Razorback football player.
Longtime men's athletics director Frank Broyles, Phillips' old coach and employer, is retiring as the Razorbacks' AD effective Jan. 1.
Phillips was the athletics director at Oklahoma State after leaving Arkansas, and then become Clemson's AD in 2002. Thursday he stressed he has not been contacted by Arkansas, which is currently in the middle of an AD search conducted by UA Chancellor John White.
However, Phillips has been the subject of considerable Arkansas speculation since Broyles announced last February he would retire.
"After considerable personal reflection I wish to end the speculation about the athletic director's position at the University of Arkansas," Phillips was quoted in a letter Thursday posted on Clemson's Web site. "To be very clear, it is important to note that the University of Arkansas has not contacted me. I am, however, humbled and grateful for the Razorback fans and friends who have called and written.
"Having just completed five years as athletic director of Clemson University, we still have many challenges that are as yet unfulfilled - and, I intend to be a part of the fulfillment of our dreams and aspirations. Along with our fans, supporters, and administration, we will seek to develop Clemson into a model athletic program in the 21 st century."
Phillips lettered for the UA as a defensive tackle in 1966, ' 68 and'69 and rejoined the program during the 1980 s as president of the Razorback Foundation while pursuing and achieving a law degree at the UA.
"The University of Arkansas occupies a very special place in my life and I am very grateful to the university for the opportunities provided as a player, administrator, and undergraduate / law student," Phillips said. "I will always continue to support the University of Arkansas and know Chancellor White will make an excellent selection. Nonetheless, please know that I am not a candidate for the athletic director's position at the University of Arkansas."
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