CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson president Jim Barker has sent an e-mail to the school's faculty ensuring them the money to buy out football coach Tommy Bowden's contract won't come from state money or student fees, according to a newspaper report.

The Greenville News obtained the e-mail Barker sent earlier this week.

In the e-mail, Barker tells the faculty the $3.5 million paid to Bowden over six years will come from athletic department funds the school had in reserve when Bowden was signed to a contract extension last season.

The slowing economy has led state officials to warn Clemson and other universities they will likely face a midyear budget cut.

Bowden stepped down Monday. Athletic director Terry Don Phillips agreed to pay the buyout even though Bowden was not fired.