Clemson Parts Ways with Third-Year DC.

Wes Goodwin during game at Virginia Tech. (Photo Credit: Charles Mays)

The Tiger defense has become notoriously known for being one of the strongest units in the country during the past decade; however, this season Tiger fans experienced a defensive phenomenon. After the departure of former Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables, Coach Dabo Swinney decided to give the unknown Wes Goodwin a shot at controlling the defense as he was thought to be the mastermind behind those terrifying Venables defenses. However, the inexperienced coordinator has let his defense become worse and worse these past three seasons. Because of this constant descent of production, Clemson parts ways with the Third-Year DC.

This morning Coach Dabo Swinney made the announcement that has been wondered and speculated about since the clock struck 0:00 in Austin, TX. Coach Swinney announced that he informed Defensive Coordinator Wes Goodwin on Sunday evening that he would be making a change at that position. Here is Coach Dabo Swinney’s statement, which can be found on www.clemsontigers.com.

“After meeting with Coach Goodwin on Sunday evening, I have decided to make a change at our defensive coordinator position. I want to thank Wes for his character, commitment, leadership, and dedication as well as the relentless work ethic with which he approached his job every day. Wes has been a part of our program for 13 of the past 16 years, and he played an instrumental part in all of our success. I love Wes and his family and wish him all the best as he continues his journey. I know he has a bright future ahead.

“I will start the interview process immediately and will hope to have our new defensive coordinator named by the end of the month or sooner. Our staff has been hard at work on our roster, and we look forward to solidifying our defensive coordinator position to help lead this extremely talented group as we pursue our goals for 2025.”

After multiple years of an offensive lull from Clemson, the defense was the major factor in determining the Tigers' shortcomings this season. Clemson gave up 373.2 yards per game, which currently ranks 62nd in FBS football. This number was enlarged by the main struggle from this 2024 Clemson defense, stopping the run. The Tigers gave up an average of 160.6 rushing yards a game. Clemson’s inability to stop the rush ended their 2024 season while also handing them three out of their four losses. In those losses to Louisville, South Carolina, and Texas, the Tigers gave up over 210 rushing yards and over 6.1 yards per carry. These numbers are unacceptable for any defense in the country, especially for a Clemson Tiger defense. Many fans were wanting this change to happen after what ensued this season, and Coach Swinney has given those fans their wants. Coach Swinney has continued to exemplify his desire to win after making vital changes to his coaching staff and his portal decisions these past two years. This will be the third coaching change Swinney has made in the past two seasons.

It is expected that Coach Swinney will attempt to replace Wes Goodwin with a defensive coordinator that has vast experience either in the NFL or college football. Last season, Swinney replaced Offensive Line Coach Thomas Austin with long-time Coach Matt Luke. Luke spent time as the Head Coach at Ole Miss while also helping the Georgia Bulldogs win a National Championship as the Offensive Line Coach. His presence has paid dividends so far for Clemson. Sacks given up by the Tigers decreased by five even while Clemson played one more game this season compared to last. On the defensive line last season, Coach Swinney also decided to bring in Defensive End Coach Chris Rumph to replace Lemanski Hall. Prior to this past season, Rumph spent the previous four coaching on NFL rosters with the Vikings and Bears. Expect Coach Swinney to follow the pattern he exemplified last season to ensure that his defense returns to their terrifying presence.