CLEMSON, S.C. — A significant change has been announced for the Clemson Tigers’ coaching staff ahead of the 2025 season. Head coach Dabo Swinney confirmed on Monday that Wes Goodwin will not return to his role as defensive coordinator. This announcement marks the end of Goodwin’s tenure with the Tigers, which has spanned over a decade and seen him take on various roles within the program. In a statement released by the team, Swinney offered his full comments on Goodwin’s departure and the decision to move forward with a new defensive coordinator.
Swinney began by addressing his conversation with Goodwin, which took place the previous Sunday evening. “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,” Swinney said in the statement.
Goodwin’s time with Clemson began back in 2009, when he first joined the program as a graduate assistant. He continued his rise through the coaching ranks, eventually being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2022. His work ethic and dedication were highly regarded within the program, and Swinney expressed his appreciation for Goodwin’s contributions, particularly the significant role he played in Clemson’s past successes.
“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,” Swinney continued. “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.” These words of gratitude highlight the respect Swinney has for Goodwin both professionally and personally.
Despite the appreciation expressed by Swinney, the decision to move in a new direction at defensive coordinator reflects a desire for change and improvement in the Clemson defense. While Goodwin’s time as defensive coordinator included successes, it also featured challenges. The Tigers’ defense showed inconsistency during Goodwin’s tenure, and some have speculated that the team’s defensive struggles may have played a role in the decision to make a change. Swinney, however, did not delve into specifics about the reasons for Goodwin’s departure. Instead, he focused on the positive aspects of Goodwin’s contributions to the program.
The announcement also reflects Swinney’s ongoing commitment to excellence within his coaching staff. He acknowledged that the decision to part ways with Goodwin was not easy, but emphasized that it was part of the process of ensuring that the team remains competitive at the highest level of college football. “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,” Swinney said, signaling the urgency with which Clemson will seek a replacement for Goodwin.
Swinney’s comments on the upcoming search for a new defensive coordinator further emphasize the importance of this decision to the program’s future. “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,” Swinney stated, indicating that the team is already focused on the next season and building a defense capable of achieving the program’s lofty goals.
Clemson’s defense has historically been one of the program’s strongest assets, contributing significantly to its national championships and playoff appearances over the years. The Tigers have been known for their dominance on the defensive side of the ball, particularly under former defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who helped guide Clemson to two national championships. Since Venables left for the head coaching job at Oklahoma, Goodwin has worked to maintain that defensive excellence, but the team’s defense has faced growing challenges in recent seasons.
Goodwin’s departure comes at a time when Clemson’s defense is filled with potential. With players like defensive lineman Myles Murphy, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and safety Andrew Mukuba, there is a lot of talent returning in 2025, and the new defensive coordinator will have the opportunity to shape the unit and continue the tradition of strong defenses that have defined Clemson football over the years.
The coaching change also signifies a shift in the broader landscape of the program. The Tigers’ performance in recent seasons has been mixed, with the team struggling to maintain the same level of dominance it had in the mid-2010s. Although Clemson won the ACC Championship in 2024 and made a brief appearance in the College Football Playoff, there has been an increasing sense of urgency to return to the national championship conversation. This change at defensive coordinator is an attempt to reinforce the team’s position as a contender for future titles.
With Swinney now embarking on the search for a new defensive coordinator, the coaching landscape at Clemson will likely undergo some adjustments in the coming weeks. Swinney’s track record as a head coach suggests that he will carefully evaluate candidates for the role, looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas while maintaining the culture of toughness and discipline that has defined the Tigers. Additionally, the new defensive coordinator will have to quickly form relationships with the existing coaching staff, including the defensive position coaches and the players themselves.
While there is no clear frontrunner for the position at this time, there are a number of potential candidates both inside and outside of the program who could be in consideration. Clemson has a history of promoting from within, and some fans and analysts have speculated that internal candidates, such as defensive line coach Nick Eason or linebackers coach Mike Reed, could be in the mix. Other names from outside the program may also emerge as Swinney conducts his search.
For Clemson fans, the hiring of a new defensive coordinator will be a major storyline throughout the offseason. Expectations will remain high for the Tigers, and the defensive side of the ball will be a key focus as the team prepares for 2025. Swinney’s leadership will be critical in finding the right fit for the job, as the program seeks to return to its status as one of the top teams in college football.
In conclusion, the decision to part ways with Wes Goodwin marks the end of an era for Clemson football and signals a new chapter in the program’s quest for continued success. Swinney’s praise for Goodwin’s work and character is a reminder of the impact he had on the program, but it also underscores the desire for change as the Tigers look to solidify their defense and maintain their competitive edge. As the coaching search begins, Clemson fans will be watching closely to see who Swinney selects to lead the defense and help guide the team to even greater success in the years to come.
