Wes Goodwin Out, Clemson Seeks New Defensive Coordinator

The curtain has closed on Wes Goodwin’s tenure as Clemson’s co-defensive coordinator after three seasons. Goodwin, an unconventional hire in 2021 following Brent Venables’ departure to Oklahoma, was often described as a behind-the-scenes tactician, a savant of football strategy who thrived out of the spotlight. 

The decision, announced Monday, marks another chapter in Dabo Swinney’s tenure at Clemson. Swinney has made bold moves in the past, including the elevation of Tony Elliott and Jeff Scott to co-offensive coordinators in 2014—a decision that led to two national championships and six consecutive trips to the College Football Playoff. But this gamble, thrusting Goodwin into the glaring spotlight left vacant by Venables, never paid off in the same way.

The 2023 defense tied for the national lead in takeaways (28), defensive touchdowns (five), and pick-sixes (four), with the latter two categories matching school records set in 1990. But even those accomplishments couldn’t mask a deeper issue for many—Goodwin simply wasn’t Venables—and when struggles arose in late-season losses to South Carolina and Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff, the writing seemed to be on the wall.

“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,” Swinney said in a statement.

In fairness to Goodwin, the Gamecocks were held to just 10 points with 1:09 left to play, but South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers sliced the Tiger defense in the 4th quarter, finishing with 166 yards rushing and two scores—the final blow, a 20-yard scamper to the endzone. 

Then, against Texas, the Tigers yielded more big plays on the ground, giving up 292 total yards on the ground with rushes of 22, 38, 16, 19, 77, and 21 yards in the season-ending loss.

By the end of the 2024 season, Clemson ranked 73rd nationally in total defense, allowing a staggering 73 plays of 20 yards or more over 14 games. That glaring vulnerability undermined a team built on the promise of discipline and aggression. It was a stark departure from the attacking nature fans had come to expect under Venables. Big plays, unfortunately, became a defining feature of a defense that struggled to find its footing under Goodwin’s leadership.

The dismissal highlights a truth about coaching transitions, especially when replacing a figure as iconic as Venables. The role demanded not just strategic brilliance but also a commanding presence. For Goodwin, whose genius often shone brightest behind closed doors, never looked confident in the role.

For Swinney, the focus now shifts to finding a successor capable of restoring Clemson’s defensive identity.

“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 noted. “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.”

The Tigers’ recent struggles on the defensive side of the ball have amplified calls for a more experienced leader. It will be interesting to see where Swinney goes with this next hire.