As of January 2025, Wes Goodwin, the defensive coordinator (DC) for Clemson University’s football team, is not expected to return for another season with the program. While the decision has yet to be officially confirmed by Clemson University, rumors about Goodwin’s departure have been circulating, with speculation growing about the potential reasons behind the anticipated change. This article aims to provide a detailed exploration of Goodwin’s tenure at Clemson, the circumstances leading to his departure, and the implications for the future of the program.
Wes Goodwin’s Background
Wes Goodwin was hired as the defensive coordinator for Clemson University in January 2022. A former linebacker, Goodwin had spent much of his career working as an assistant coach, but his rise to prominence came when he was appointed to lead the Tigers’ defense. Before landing the defensive coordinator role at Clemson, Goodwin had experience as a defensive analyst and assistant coach under former defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who left the program after the 2021 season to become the head coach at the University of Oklahoma.
Goodwin was relatively unknown at the time of his hire. His background primarily consisted of roles in the film room and as a position coach rather than experience as a full-fledged coordinator. However, he quickly gained respect from the Clemson coaching staff for his meticulous preparation, his knowledge of the game, and his ability to break down opposing offenses. Many saw him as a rising star in the coaching world.
However, Goodwin faced an immediate challenge upon taking over as defensive coordinator. Clemson’s defense was expected to continue the legacy built by Venables, who was widely regarded as one of the best defensive minds in college football. Clemson’s defensive units during Venables’ tenure had been elite, often ranked among the best in the nation. This pressure to maintain excellence was immense, especially given the success of the Tigers’ defense over the past decade.
Challenges During Goodwin’s Tenure
In his first season as the defensive coordinator in 2022, Goodwin inherited a defense with significant talent. However, it became clear that his unit struggled at times, especially in big games. Despite having several high-profile players, such as defensive linemen Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee, the defense underperformed compared to the previous standards set by Venables’ units. While the defense was still solid, it lacked the dominance that had been synonymous with Clemson football under Venables.
One of the primary criticisms of Goodwin’s defensive approach was that he was too conservative. The Tigers’ defense sometimes appeared to play it safe in key situations, which allowed opposing offenses to gain momentum and take control of games. Critics argued that Goodwin was hesitant to take risks or make adjustments during critical moments, resulting in uncharacteristic lapses that had not been seen under Venables.
Moreover, while the defensive line remained strong, there were concerns about the overall defensive backfield and its ability to cover elite receivers. Clemson’s secondary seemed vulnerable at times, and opposing teams were able to exploit these weaknesses in key games. The 2022 season included some frustrating losses, particularly in matchups where Clemson’s defense was expected to shine but instead struggled to contain opposing offenses.
In 2023, Goodwin’s defense showed signs of improvement, but the team’s performance still seemed to fluctuate. Although the defense had some dominant performances, there were still moments when it allowed explosive plays or failed to make stops in crucial moments. Many of these lapses came against high-powered offenses, which further highlighted the inconsistency of Goodwin’s defensive scheme.
One of the most notable moments of frustration for Clemson fans was the team’s performance against South Carolina in the 2023 rivalry game. Despite having the upper hand for much of the season, Clemson’s defense allowed too many big plays, and the Gamecocks were able to capitalize on weaknesses in both the defensive backfield and the front seven. South Carolina’s offensive success exposed some of the flaws in Goodwin’s defensive schemes, and the loss raised questions about his ability to lead Clemson’s defense back to its former level of dominance.
The Decision to Move On
The news that Goodwin is not anticipated to return as Clemson’s defensive coordinator comes as no surprise to many who have been following the program closely. While Goodwin had the support of head coach Dabo Swinney, the pressure to maintain the elite level of performance expected of Clemson’s defense proved to be a significant challenge. Goodwin’s relatively short tenure as a coordinator, coupled with the growing frustration with the defense’s inconsistency, likely played a role in the decision to part ways.
The timing of the departure is critical. Clemson football is at a crossroads, with the team struggling to keep pace with some of the other top programs in college football. While the Tigers continue to recruit at a high level and maintain a competitive roster, the defense is not meeting the same standards it once did under Venables. For Swinney and the administration, it was clear that something had to change to prevent the program from falling behind.
Factors Behind the Decision
Several factors appear to have influenced the decision to move on from Goodwin as defensive coordinator. One of the most significant is the need for Clemson to re-establish its defensive dominance. After a string of seasons where the defense was a hallmark of the program, the recent inconsistency was concerning. Swinney, known for his loyalty to his coaching staff, had given Goodwin a fair opportunity to prove himself but may have concluded that a change was necessary to get the defense back to its peak level.
Additionally, Clemson’s offensive struggles in recent seasons have placed additional pressure on the defense. While the offense has faced its own set of challenges, particularly with the quarterback position, the defense has been expected to carry more of the load. As Clemson has not been able to generate the same level of explosive plays on offense, the defense’s role in controlling games has become even more critical.
Clemson’s inability to secure victories in some of the big games, particularly in the ACC Championship and the College Football Playoff picture, also likely played a role in Goodwin’s expected departure. Fans and pundits alike have questioned whether the defense could have made more impactful plays to win these important matchups, leading to criticism of Goodwin’s coaching.
Finally, the shifting landscape of college football is an ever-present challenge. As other programs, particularly those in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), continue to improve their rosters and offensive schemes, Clemson’s defense needs to adapt to stay competitive. Some critics argue that Goodwin’s defensive strategies were outdated or lacked the innovation required to counter the modern offensive systems now prevalent in college football.
What Comes Next for Clemson?
With Goodwin’s departure likely on the horizon, the future of Clemson’s defense is uncertain. The program will likely search for a new defensive coordinator who can return the defense to its former level of excellence. Swinney and the administration may look to hire someone with more experience, possibly someone who has had success as a defensive coordinator at a Power Five school or in the NFL.
A potential candidate could be someone from within the program, perhaps a coach who has already worked under Goodwin or Venables. Swinney is known for promoting from within, and it is possible that a coach such as Mike Reed (Clemson’s defensive backs coach) or Todd Bates (the defensive tackles coach) could be elevated to the role. Another option could be to seek out an experienced coordinator from another high-profile program who could bring fresh ideas and energy to the defense.
Ultimately, Clemson’s ability to adapt and rebuild its defense will be a crucial factor in determining the program’s future success. With the pressure mounting from the competition within the ACC and beyond, the Tigers will need a defensive leader who can restore the team’s reputation as one of the best in college football.
