The Clemson Tigers have entered the offseason with a sense of optimism and anticipation for what could be a special 2025 campaign. After enduring a down year in 2023, the Tigers made a strong comeback in 2024, capturing a double-digit win total and securing the ACC Championship. With their conference title, Clemson earned an automatic bid to the inaugural College Football Playoff, marking a significant accomplishment for the program. However, their postseason run ended sooner than they would have liked, as they were defeated by the Texas Longhorns in the first round of the CFP.
Despite the early exit, the 2024 season was still viewed as a success for Clemson, especially considering the challenges they faced in the previous year. The Tigers showed resilience and growth, and the return to the postseason was a positive step forward for the program. There was a lot to like about the team’s overall performance, from their offensive playmakers to their strong leadership under head coach Dabo Swinney. However, as is often the case in college football, no season is without its flaws, and Clemson’s defense ultimately became a point of concern.
While the offense showed flashes of brilliance, the defense, particularly against the run, struggled mightily at times during the 2024 campaign. The Tigers’ defense, long considered one of the program’s strengths, was vulnerable against powerful running games, which led to some concerning performances. The inability to consistently stop the run ultimately hindered Clemson’s overall success, and the struggles were particularly evident in key moments during the season.
After Clemson’s loss to Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff, speculation began to swirl about potential changes to the coaching staff. The defensive struggles throughout the season, coupled with the disappointing playoff performance, led many to believe that a shake-up was on the horizon. It wasn’t long before the rumors turned into reality when Clemson officially announced that defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin would not return for the 2025 season.
This move was not entirely unexpected. While Goodwin had been with the program for over a decade, his tenure as defensive coordinator was marked by inconsistencies. His unit was often unable to find a consistent rhythm, particularly in stopping the run, which proved to be a critical weakness. The decision to part ways with Goodwin was seen as necessary by many, as Clemson needed to find a solution to its defensive struggles if it hoped to remain a national title contender in 2025 and beyond.
Goodwin had joined the Clemson staff in 2009 as a graduate assistant, and his work with the program over the years played a pivotal role in its rise to prominence. His tenure saw him work in various roles, including defensive analyst and senior defensive assistant, before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2022. While Goodwin’s leadership and dedication were appreciated by the Clemson community, the program’s defense struggled to maintain the same level of dominance it had under former defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who left for the head coaching job at Oklahoma.
Under Goodwin, the Tigers’ defense often displayed moments of brilliance but also failed to deliver in critical situations. In particular, the defense’s struggles against the run were among the most glaring issues of the 2024 season. Clemson allowed 4.3 yards per carry and gave up over 200 rushing yards in multiple games, including their loss to Texas in the CFP. Against some of the more physical teams on the schedule, Clemson’s defensive line and linebackers had difficulty maintaining gaps and preventing large chunks of yardage. This lack of consistency made it difficult for the Tigers to compete at the highest levels, particularly against teams with powerful offenses.
With Goodwin’s departure, Swinney and the Clemson coaching staff now face the difficult task of finding a replacement who can return the defense to its elite status. The timing of the decision is crucial, as Clemson looks to build upon the success of 2024 and take the next step in 2025. Swinney has already begun the search for a new defensive coordinator, emphasizing the importance of filling the position quickly to help solidify the team’s future. The Tigers have a talented roster returning, but the defense will need to be revamped to compete at the highest levels and challenge for a national title.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Tigers will be bringing back a significant amount of talent on both sides of the ball. Players like defensive lineman Myles Murphy, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and safety Andrew Mukuba are expected to return, providing a strong foundation for the next defensive coordinator. These players have the potential to anchor a defense that could be one of the best in the country, but they will need strong leadership and development to reach their full potential. The incoming defensive coordinator will have the opportunity to work with a talented group of players and implement a defensive scheme that can better utilize their skills and stop the run more effectively.
The pressure on Swinney and the coaching staff is high, as the Tigers are expected to compete for the ACC title once again in 2025 and make a deep run in the College Football Playoff. Clemson’s offense will likely continue to improve, but if the defense remains inconsistent, it could once again derail the team’s championship aspirations. As Swinney begins the search for a new defensive coordinator, he will be looking for someone with a proven track record of success, particularly in stopping the run and developing strong defensive lines and linebackers.
While it may take some time to find the right fit, Clemson’s tradition of excellence on defense and its commitment to winning championships should make it an attractive job for top-tier candidates. Swinney will undoubtedly prioritize candidates who understand the importance of a tough, physical defense and can build a unit that complements the Tigers’ high-powered offense. Whether Swinney chooses an internal candidate or looks outside the program, Clemson fans will be eagerly watching the coaching search unfold in the coming weeks.
As the Tigers prepare for the 2025 season, there is a sense of urgency surrounding the team. With high expectations and a talented roster, Clemson must address its defensive shortcomings if it hopes to return to national prominence. The decision to part ways with Wes Goodwin was just the first step in the process, and the next few months will be crucial in shaping the future of the Clemson football program. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who will take over as defensive coordinator and whether they can fix the issues that have plagued the Tigers on defense.
In the end, while the 2024 season brought success in many ways, it also exposed areas where Clemson still needs to improve. The defense, especially against the run, must become more consistent if the Tigers are to remain a true national championship contender. The search for a new defensive coordinator represents an opportunity for the program to make the adjustments needed to compete at the highest level. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Clemson as they work to solidify their defense and make another run at the College Football Playoff.
