Danny Ford really shook things up at Clemson University, serving as the head coach from 1978 to 1989.
He’s best known for guiding the Tigers to their first national championship in 1981, making him the youngest coach to pull it off at just 33 years old.
Ford also snagged five Atlantic Coast Conference titles and played a big role in shaping 21 NFL players, including 21 All-Americans.
His coaching style was all about bouncing back and working together as a team, which really stuck with his players and the Clemson community.
Life After Coaching
Danny Ford quit coaching on January 18, 1990, because he had a big fight with Clemson’s bosses.
Even though he won a national title and a bunch of ACC championships, his bond with the school got worse because of problems with the NCAA about recruiting, even though he wasn’t part of it. Ford wasn’t sure if he wanted to stop coaching, but he felt like it was time for a change.
Embracing Farming
Danny Ford’s farm in Central, South Carolina, is a peaceful spot away from his time as a football coach. It’s right next to Clemson University and has animals like cows and horses, along with greenhouses for veggies.
Danny Ford got into farming after visiting his uncle’s farm when he was a kid and brought that love for it over to his coaching days at Clemson. He even suggested the university buy some land for him to farm on.
Nowadays, Danny Ford is all in on farming, getting his hands dirty and diving into eco-friendly farming practices, like growing hemp, even though it’s tough to sell.
For Danny Ford, farming is more about learning and having fun with this new chapter of his life than worrying about making a profit from it.
The Journey into Agriculture
Danny Ford’s love for farming started when he was a kid, visiting his uncle’s farm and enjoying the countryside life.
Danny Ford even had a chicken coop and a pig at home, which made him even more passionate about agriculture.
As the head coach at Clemson, Ford wanted to combine his love for farming with his coaching role.
Hemp Farming
Danny Ford was one of the first farmers in South Carolina to grow hemp under the 2018 SC Industrial Hemp Pilot Program, which aimed to diversify crops.
He planted 54,000 hemp seeds in 170 rows but struggled in the competitive and skeptical CBD market.
Ford found it the most challenging task, noting the steep learning curve in this new farming area.
Despite the challenges, he sees farming as a learning experience, focusing on crop management and market dynamics, and is dedicated to sustainable farming.
Current Farming Practices
Danny Ford runs a farm on 174 acres in Central, South Carolina, where he raises animals like cows and horses, and grows plants in greenhouses.
He tried growing Japanese cucumbers for local restaurants and friends but didn’t make enough money to cover his costs.
Ford focuses on learning by doing and believes in making farming educational, not just a way to make money.
He compares farming to coaching, stressing the importance of good quality inputs and teamwork.
His farming journey has taught him a lot about agriculture and the market, making him even more passionate about this new path.
The Connection Between Coaching and Farming
Danny Ford compares his past job as a football coach to his current work as a farmer, highlighting the need for good quality inputs like talented players or fertile soil, and the importance of hard work and teamwork for success.
He believes in creating a supportive environment for growth, similar to how he built successful teams.
Ford works closely with his family in farming, finding joy in the hands-on work and learning new skills, similar to the satisfaction of winning a championship or a successful harvest.
Reflections on College Football Today
Danny Ford is worried about how college football has changed, especially with new rules about player rights and money.
He thinks the sport has become more about winning and making money, which can make players forget about working together and being loyal.
Ford believes this focus on money and performance might take away from the true spirit of college sports.
He also thinks that in the next ten years, college football will look very different, with bigger-budget schools having an advantage, similar to how some farmers have more resources than others.
Maintaining Ties to Clemson Football
Danny Ford keeps in touch with his college’s football team by going to games and hanging out with old friends and players.
Even though he’s not coaching anymore, he’s still very much a part of the Clemson community, often talking about his days as head coach when they won their in 1981.
Danny Ford loves the friendship and excitement of being around other alumni and fans at games, where he can remember the good old days of college football and stay connected to the team that was so important to his career.
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
Danny Ford is deeply involved in local communities and charity work, showing his dedication to helping others.
Danny Ford has contributed a lot to youth sports and education, supporting programs that help young people succeed in sports and academics. Ford mentors young athletes and works to provide resources for youth in his area.
Ford’s career path from a well-known football coach to a farmer and community supporter highlights his life filled with passion and meaning. His success in adapting to new roles and his strong commitment to youth and education reflect the values he has taught his players.
