Assistant coaches lead Tigers' turnaround

CLEMSON, S.C. - Even in the darkest days last fall, Clemson offensive coordinator Mike O'Cain never saw the staff lose hope for the ultimate Tigers' turnaround.

When some fans chanted for coach Tommy Bowden's dismissal after the dreadful 45-17 loss at Wake Forest, when Internet chat rooms filled with angry words and insider rumors about Bowden's firing, when the players talked in confused groups about what might happen, O'Cain says the staff put the problems aside and focused on winning football.

"After the Wake Forest game, we knew that our so-called necks were on the chopping block," said O'Cain, the former North Carolina State head coach who was in charge of Clemson quarterbacks a year ago.

"But that's part of our profession," O'Cain said. "If you can't coach under those conditions sometimes, then you better get out of it."

In the aftermath of Clemson's four-game comeback to end its 9-4 season - which included landmark wins against Florida State, South Carolina and Tennessee in the Peach Bowl - Bowden gave much praise to his players for battling through uncertain times.

But he says his staff's role was vital and probably overshadowed by the success.

The assistants "pretty much were selling the state of the program and that it wasn't a lost cause" to the Tigers, Bowden said.

It's not surprising the staff didn't splinter, O'Cain said. The group is a good mix of personalities and experience.

O'Cain and assistant head coach Brad Scott, offensive coordinator last season, both went through success, failure and firing as head coaches: O'Cain with the Wolfpack and Scott with South Carolina. Both knew what their friend at the top needed and could push the right buttons with players, O'Cain said.

"Nobody puts their ego ahead of this football team," he said.

O'Cain said the assistants never backed away from the preseason plan.

The potential was there. It was a matter of raising the level of play, he said.

Several months removed from the drama - and a fat new contract for Bowden which includes a $4 million buyout - Bowden and O'Cain say the team and staff have enjoyed a productive, comfortable summer with no questions about job security.

"At least until we lose again," Bowden quipped.