Clemson defensive coordinator Koenning resigns

Dec 3, 2008 - 12:24 AM CLEMSON, South Carolina (Ticker) -- Vic Koenning on Tuesday resigned as Clemson's defensive coordinator, a position he held at the school for the past four seasons.

Koenning kept his job when Dabo Swinney was named Clemson's interim coach after Tommy Bowden resigned on October 13. Swinney was tabbed as the Tigers' permanent coach on Monday.

While Clemson (7-5) was a major disappointment this year after being picked as the preseason favorite in the Atlantic Coast Conference, defense was not the reason why.

Clemson led the ACC in scoring defense and ranked ninth in the Football Bowl Subdivision by allowing just 16.6 points per game.

The Tigers won four of their final six games under Swinney.

"I want to thank the Clemson administration, coaching staff and most of all the student-athletes for a great four years," Koenning said. "This is an outstanding program and a great place to live. I am proud of what we accomplished this year and over the last four years."

Among the players Koenning coached was All-ACC first-team safety Michael Hamlin, who ranks sixth in FBS in interceptions this year and third in school history in career picks.

"I want to express my gratitude for what Vic Koenning did for this program the last four years, and especially over the last seven weeks," Swinney said. "The defensive numbers we have recorded the last four years speak for themselves."