Clemson announced former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga head coach Shawn Poppie as its new women's basketball coach Tuesday afternoon.
In two seasons at UTC, Poppie was 48-18, winning the 2023 Southern Conference tournament championship and both the regular-season and tournament titles this past season.
"From the bottom of my heart, thank you," Poppie said Tuesday in a released statement. "Thank you for opening your arms and welcoming me and my family to this fine university and city two years ago. I was given my first head coaching opportunity for this historic program thanks to Mark Wharton and his support team. Our vision was to restore the pride and tradition back into Chattanooga Women's Basketball. With the support from our administration, staff and fan base we were able to accomplish just that."
Poppie's Mocs went 19-1 against SoCon competition this season, the only blemish being a senior day-loss to UNC Greensboro, a loss it avenged with a 69-62 victory in the SoCon championship game. In the calendar year 2024, the Mocs went 17-2, losing only to UNCG and 11th-ranked North Carolina State, the latter coming in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
They finished 28-5 overall this season, with a win over nationally-ranked Mississippi State in December and one over Mid-American Conference champion Kent State as well.
Now, the administration is looking to make its third hire since 2018.
"It's an exciting process," UTC vice chancellor and athletic director Mark Wharton said in a statement. "Ideally, this is not something we're doing every two years, but we know the right person will continue to grow our brand, both regionally and nationally. The foundation in place is always going to draw interest from top candidates. We are prepared to move diligently in identifying our next head coach."
Poppie's contract at Clemson, which was approved by the Clemson Board of Trustees Tuesday afternoon, is for $3.375 million over six seasons, as reported by the Associated Press. He will make $500,000 in his first season and will receive a $25,000 increase each year.
He will also receive a $435,000 signing "incentive" to be paid within 30 days of his start of employment.
"I will forever be indebted to the players that have been a part of this journey over the last two years," Poppie said. "Every one of them gave their trust and belief in me and my staff from the very beginning. We had our ups and downs but they always stayed the course and pushed this program forward.
"I am proud of the culture we established developing winners on the court and more importantly in life. We have made some memories that will last a lifetime."
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com.
Staff photo by Matt Hamilton/ UTC women's head coach Shawn Poppie watches the action from the sidelines at McKenzie Arena on Saturday, November 18, 2023.