Hootie Ingram, the former Clemson head coach known for introducing the iconic Tiger Paw logo and reinstating the Running Down the Hill tradition, has passed away at the age of 90. Ingram’s death was reported by WVUA in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and AL.com, leaving behind a legacy of memorable moments and contributions to Clemson and the world of college football.
Ingram’s Clemson Tenure and Iconic Contributions
Ingram took on the role of Clemson’s head coach on December 17, 1969, after serving as Arkansas’ defensive backs coach under Frank Broyles. During his three-year tenure from 1970 to 1972, Ingram recorded a 12-21 record, yet his impact on Clemson’s traditions and culture would outlast his time as head coach.
One of Ingram’s most notable contributions to Clemson was the introduction of the now-iconic Tiger Paw logo. Before his first season in 1970, he called for a meeting with Clemson administrators to discuss refreshing the university’s image. The result was the Tiger Paw logo, which became a defining symbol for Clemson football and has since become synonymous with the university’s athletic programs.
Additionally, Ingram played a key role in reinstating Clemson’s Running Down the Hill tradition. The tradition had been dormant for several years following the construction of locker rooms in Clemson’s west end zone, but Ingram brought it back for his final game as head coach. The game, played in a cold rain against South Carolina, ended in a 7-6 victory for Clemson, with Jimmy Williamson batting down a two-point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
A Legacy in College Sports
Ingram’s coaching career extended beyond Clemson. A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, he was an All-SEC defensive back for the Crimson Tide and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1955. His contributions to sports were recognized with his induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame in 1999.
After leaving Clemson, Ingram served as the athletic director at Florida State from 1981 to 1989 and at Alabama from 1989 to 1995. One of his significant acts as Alabama’s athletic director was to hire head coach Gene Stallings, who would lead the 1992 Crimson Tide to the national championship. Stallings would later coach walk-on wide receiver Dabo Swinney, giving him his first opportunity in coaching as a graduate assistant in 1993. Swinney would go on to become Clemson’s head coach and one of the most successful coaches in college football history.
Funeral Arrangements and Tributes
Hootie Ingram’s funeral services are set for Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with visitation from 10 to 11:30 a.m. His passing has drawn tributes from across the college football community, recognizing his contributions to Clemson and his broader impact on college sports.
Ingram’s legacy endures through his influence on Clemson’s traditions and the many athletes and coaches he mentored throughout his career. His role in shaping Clemson football and his leadership in college sports will be remembered for generations to come.
