Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips says he won’t seek contract extension

CLEMSON — Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips, whose contract expires next summer, said Tuesday he is not seeking contract extension.

“I’m not looking for an extension,” said Phillips, whose contract runs through June 30, 2013.

Phillips declined to elaborate and would not say whether he had ruled out the idea of remaining as AD or taking another position at Clemson.

“I am not seeking any extension and I think I just need to leave it at that,” Phillips said. “I can’t really add anything.”

Clemson President James Barker said in December that he wanted Phillips to remain as athletic director beyond his current contract.

Phillips has been the athletic director at Clemson since 2002. He is paid $418,000 per year.

During his tenure, $140 million has been committed to athletic facilities. The football team won its first ACC title in 20 years last season under coach Dabo Swinney, whom Phillips selected to lead the program after the 2008 season. Clemson is spending a record amount on its football staff compensation this season.

One of Phillips’ most successful hires was Oliver Purnell, who led the men’s basketball program to three straight NCAA appearances.

But Phillips has also been criticized for the performances of several athletic teams, most notably football, and for extending former football coach Tommy Bowden’s contract.

Phillips said he is pleased with where the athletic program is today. “I feel very good about the momentum we have,” Phillips said. “I feel our total sports program is poised to continue to progress and do well. I’m pleased where we are. We are in good shape financially. ... We are stable with our (football) staff.

“Hopefully we’ve done things that whenever we were to leave, they can build on what we have done and take advantage of it. I feel good about the coaches we have in place.”

In addressing other topics, Phillips said there have been some delays in construction of the new indoor practice facility, but he still hopes to see the projected completed by December.

Phillips said the new student-athlete dining area in Memorial Stadium has been completed and the athletic department is seeking to hire a nutritionist.

Phillips said the school is also looking at upgrading the luxury suites in Memorial Stadium.