December 23, 2001

FURMAN’S CLARK NOT SURPRISED BY JOHNSON’S MOVE;
SAYS SUCCESSOR LIKELY TO COME FROM WITHIN PROGRAM

GREENVILLE -- Furman Director of Athletics Dr. Gary Clark said today that he wasn’t surprised about the departure of head football coach Bobby Johnson to Vanderbilt and indicated that his successor would likely come from within the program.

“It’s no surprise to me that Vanderbilt has named Bobby Johnson as head coach to lead their program,” said Clark. “We’ve known for sometime that he is one of the best coaches in the country, period. We are proud of what he accomplished with the Furman football program and appreciate the manner in which he did it. He committed 24 years to our program, and we will miss him. We wish him and Catherine all the best.”

According to Clark, the process to name a new head coach had already begun and that the focus would clearly turn first to several long-time assistants on the Paladin staff.

“We have a talented and experienced staff,” said Clark. “Many of these guys have turned down opportunities over the years in order to remain at Furman, so it only makes sense that we look to them for leadership at this time. I would anticipate that we will move forward in a timely fashion.”