The Clemson Tigers’ 2024 college football season can be characterized as a mixture of triumph, disappointment, and anticipation for the future. With a 10-4 record and an ACC Championship, the team appeared to have exceeded expectations by claiming a place in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Although their playoff journey ended in a 38-24 defeat to the Texas Longhorns in the first round, the Tigers’ resilience throughout the regular season was a testament to their unwavering spirit. Many had written them off at various points of the season, but they always managed to find a way to overcome the odds, aided by the missteps of other teams.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Clemson will carry an air of optimism despite the heartbreak of the previous postseason. The team is poised to return a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball, with many key players expected to return and build on the success they found in 2024. However, as the team looks forward, there is a major shift taking place behind the scenes that will likely have a significant impact on the direction of the program.
On Monday, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney made a key announcement regarding the defensive coaching staff, revealing that defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin would not be returning for the 2025 season. This change was confirmed with a statement posted on the team’s official website. Swinney expressed gratitude for Goodwin’s tenure with the program, which spanned over a decade, and emphasized the former coordinator’s impact on the success of the team. While acknowledging the difficult nature of the decision, Swinney also praised Goodwin’s dedication, work ethic, and leadership. The statement reflected a deep respect for Goodwin’s contributions, particularly as he was part of the Clemson football family for 13 of the past 16 years. The move had been rumored in the days leading up to the announcement, but it was nonetheless a significant shift for the team.
In his statement, Swinney said, “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.”
Goodwin’s career with Clemson began in 2009 as a graduate assistant, where he worked through 2011. He then transitioned to a defensive analyst role for three years before making the leap to the NFL, where he joined the Arizona Cardinals as an assistant to the head coach from 2015 to 2017. Following his NFL stint, Goodwin returned to Clemson in 2018 as a senior defensive assistant. He continued to climb the coaching ranks within the program, eventually being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2022. Along with his duties as the defensive coordinator, Goodwin also served as the linebackers coach.
Goodwin’s departure marks the end of a notable chapter in Clemson’s football history. Under his leadership, the Tigers’ defense had its share of highs and lows, and while some may feel that the defensive side of the ball did not live up to the program’s historically high standards, it is clear that Goodwin’s work and commitment to the team were valuable to the program’s success during his tenure.
While the move might seem abrupt to some, it highlights Swinney’s ongoing commitment to improving the program and ensuring the best possible staff is in place to lead the Tigers into the future. It is clear that Swinney values maintaining a standard of excellence on both sides of the ball, and this decision reflects his desire to enhance the defensive unit, which has been somewhat inconsistent at times in recent seasons. Swinney has not wasted any time in moving forward, expressing his intention to begin the search for Goodwin’s replacement immediately. He mentioned that he hoped to have a new defensive coordinator in place by the end of the month or sooner, signaling that the program is already looking toward the future with a sense of urgency.
This coaching change adds an element of uncertainty to Clemson’s offseason as they prepare for 2025. The Tigers will not only need to replace their defensive coordinator but will also have to continue developing their young talent, ensure consistency on defense, and adjust to a new voice leading the unit. With a talented roster returning, the pressure will be on the new defensive coordinator to maximize the potential of players like defensive lineman Myles Murphy, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and safety Andrew Mukuba, among others. The defensive coordinator will also be tasked with integrating any new recruits into the system and ensuring that Clemson’s defense remains a dominant force in the ACC.
While this coaching change is certainly the most significant development, it is not the only challenge Clemson will face heading into the 2025 season. The Tigers will need to work hard to build upon the momentum they gained in 2024, especially after a season that ended with playoff disappointment. Although they were defeated by Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff, the experience of competing at that level will serve as valuable preparation for future campaigns. If the Tigers can find the right defensive coordinator and continue to develop their roster, they will once again be among the nation’s top teams, and the expectations for 2025 will likely be sky-high.
The road ahead will not be easy, but Clemson’s tradition of success, leadership under Dabo Swinney, and commitment to excellence will continue to serve as the foundation for the program’s future. Despite the coaching changes and potential challenges ahead, the Tigers are well-positioned to remain a dominant force in college football for years to come. As the offseason unfolds, Clemson fans will eagerly await the naming of a new defensive coordinator and look forward to what could be another exciting and successful season for the Tigers.
