Georgia Tech’s Radakovich named Clemson’s athletic director; contract details revealed

CLEMSON — Clemson didn’t have to go far to find its next athletic director.

Clemson named Georgia Tech AD Dan Radakovich as its new athletic director on Monday. Radakovich was introduced at a press conference Monday afternoon.

His contract is a five-year deal worth $725,000 per year.

Radakovich praised Clemson’s fan support and infrastructure. He hopes to begin at Clemson by late November.

“I always said it would take a very special opportunity to leave Georgia Tech,” Radakovich said. ”We will compete with ferociousness and determination for championships in every sport”

Clemson president James Barker said he had 30 candidates interested in the position. Radakovich agreed to the join Clemson over the weekend.

Barker said Radakovich “understands the academic, business and competitive aspects of college athletics.”

Barker said he investigated the NCAA infractions that occurred under Radakovich at Georgia Tech and placed the program on probation for four years.

“We did a great deal of due diligence,” Barker said.“Had I not been satisfied ... we would not be here.”

The Clemson board of trustees’ compensation committee approved Barker’s commendation at a meeting Monday morning.

Radakovich was hired at Georgia Tech in 2006 and was widely praised for his hire of football coach Paul Johnson.

Radakovich has also overseen a number of facilities upgrades at Georgia Tech.

Radakovich was an assistant athletic director at Louisiana State (2001-06) and was the AD at American (2000-01). He was a former associate AD at Clemson’s rival South Carolina (1994-2000).

Terry Don Phillips announced his retirement in August.