Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips expected to announce retirement Thursday

CLEMSON — Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips is expected to announce his retirement today.

Multiple sources close to the situation told The Post and Courier an announcement has been set for this afternoon. Once a retirement timetable is made, Clemson can begin its search for a new athletic director.

Phillips said last month that he was not seeking a contract extension. Phillips’ contract runs through June 20, 2013.

It is not clear how long Phillips, who has led the athletic department since 2002, will remain in his position or with the university. He has declined to elaborate on his future.

Clemson president James Barker said in December he wanted Phillips to remain as athletic director beyond his current contract. But Phillips pushed back a decision on his future at that time. He is paid $418,000 per year.

During Phillip’s tenure, $140 million has been committed to athletic facilities, and 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 also 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 also has been criticized for the performances of several athletic teams, most notably football, and for extending former football coach Tommy Bowden’s contract.

Amid public criticism, Barker reviewed Phillips’ performance as athletic director in 2010 and offered a positive judgment.