As the Clemson Tigers enter the offseason, the focus quickly shifts to preparing for what many expect to be a special 2025 campaign. After a successful 2024 season that saw the Tigers make significant strides following a down year in 2023, the team is eager to continue its upward trajectory and make a run at a national championship. With high expectations, there’s much to look forward to for both the coaching staff and players as the Tigers work to refine their game.
The 2024 season was a year of redemption for Clemson. After falling short of its usual standards in 2023, the Tigers bounced back with a strong performance, winning double-digit games and clinching the ACC Championship. Their triumph in the conference title game secured them a coveted spot in the newly expanded College Football Playoff. For a team that had endured some ups and downs throughout the regular season, making it to the playoff represented a significant achievement and a positive step forward.
However, Clemson’s journey in the 12-team playoff was short-lived. In the first round, the Tigers faced the Texas Longhorns in a true road game, and despite a valiant effort, they came up short, losing 38-24. While it was disappointing to exit the tournament so early, the season was far from a failure. The Tigers displayed resilience throughout the year, overcoming adversity and proving they still had what it took to compete with the best in college football. Their journey, although ending sooner than they would have liked, highlighted the progress the program had made.
Despite the many positives from the 2024 season, there were still areas where the Tigers struggled, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Clemson’s defense, once a hallmark of the program, took a step back at times, with a noticeable vulnerability against the run. For a team that prides itself on defensive excellence, this weakness was glaring and led to some frustrating performances throughout the season.
The team’s struggles on defense, combined with their early exit from the College Football Playoff, set the stage for a major offseason move. It was no secret that Clemson’s defense needed to improve if the Tigers hoped to compete for a national championship in 2025, and head coach Dabo Swinney made a bold decision to part ways with defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin. This decision came after speculation that the Tigers might make a change following the loss to Texas, and it was officially confirmed when Swinney announced that Goodwin would not be returning to the staff for the 2025 season.
While the news came as no surprise to many, it was still a significant shift for the program. Goodwin had been with Clemson for over a decade in various roles, including as a graduate assistant, defensive analyst, and senior defensive assistant, before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2022. Under Goodwin’s leadership, Clemson’s defense had moments of brilliance, but it also faced challenges, especially in 2024. The Tigers struggled mightily against the run, and their defense as a whole failed to meet the high standards that had become synonymous with the program. Given that one of the key factors in Clemson’s success over the years has been its defense, it was clear that a change needed to be made to get the unit back on track.
Goodwin’s departure may pave the way for him to join his former colleague Will Venables at Oklahoma, as rumors have circulated about a potential reunion between the two. For Clemson, however, the focus now shifts to finding a replacement. The defensive coordinator position is one of the most important roles on the coaching staff, and with high expectations for 2025, Swinney will need to make a strategic and thoughtful hire.
One name that has emerged in the conversation is Tim Banks, the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Volunteers. Banks brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served as a defensive coordinator at multiple programs, including Tennessee, where he helped elevate the Volunteers’ defense to new heights. Banks’ success at Tennessee, especially in improving their defense against the run, makes him an intriguing candidate for the Tigers. As Clemson looks to rebuild its defense and address its weaknesses, bringing in a coach with Banks’ track record could provide the necessary expertise to improve the unit and ensure it is ready to compete at the highest level.
While Swinney will likely consider internal candidates as well, bringing in an experienced coach like Banks might be the preferred route. With the expectations for Clemson to compete for a national title in 2025, adding someone who has a proven ability to build a top-tier defense could be a game-changer for the program.
On the offensive side of the ball, Clemson is already in a strong position. The Tigers are built to contend for a national championship, and the return of quarterback Cade Klubnik for his senior season is a major boost. Klubnik’s development into one of the best quarterbacks in the country has been a key factor in Clemson’s success, and his leadership will be crucial in the Tigers’ quest for a title. With Klubnik under center, the offense is poised to be one of the most explosive in college football, and it will be able to carry the team as long as the defense can step up.
For Clemson to make a deep run in the playoff and compete for a national championship, the defense will need to take a major step forward. The Tigers have the talent on that side of the ball to be elite, but they need to fix the issues that plagued them in 2024, particularly against the run. This offseason, finding the right defensive coordinator will be the key to ensuring that Clemson can make that leap.
As the search for a new defensive coordinator gets underway, the pressure is on Swinney and the Tigers’ coaching staff to make a hire that will maximize the team’s potential. With a high-powered offense led by Klubnik and a defense that is poised for a rebound, Clemson is in a good position to be one of the top contenders in 2025. However, to reach the pinnacle of college football, they will need a defense that can complement their offensive strength and help them compete with the elite teams in the country.
In conclusion, while Clemson’s 2024 season ended sooner than expected, it was a successful campaign overall. With a conference title, a College Football Playoff appearance, and a lot of returning talent, the Tigers are well-positioned for another strong season in 2025. The key to reaching the next level, however, lies in the defense, and with the right defensive coordinator hire, Clemson could very well find itself back in the hunt for a national championship.
