Clemson University has decided that defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin will not continue in his role for the 2025 season. Goodwin, who took over the position in December 2021 following Brent Venables’ departure to Oklahoma, may remain with the program in a different capacity, potentially as an analyst.
During his three-year tenure, Goodwin’s leadership saw a decline in the Tigers’ defensive performance. In the 2024 season, Clemson’s defense was ranked 69th nationally, allowing an average of 374.1 yards per game. The run defense was particularly problematic, conceding 160.6 yards per game, placing them 84th in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). This decline was evident in key games, such as the College Football Playoff matchup against Texas, where the Tigers allowed 292 rushing yards and four touchdowns, leading to a 38-24 loss.
Head coach Dabo Swinney is expected to seek a replacement with experience as a defensive coordinator at a Power Five program. One potential candidate is Lorenzo Ward, who joined Clemson’s staff in May 2024 as a special assistant to the head coach. Ward brings a wealth of experience, having served as the defensive coordinator at South Carolina from 2009 to 2015 and holding various coaching positions at other institutions.
This coaching change underscores Clemson’s commitment to enhancing its defensive capabilities after a season that did not meet the program’s high standards. The search for a new defensive coordinator will be crucial as the Tigers aim to regain their defensive prowess in the upcoming season.