Clemson Dismisses Defensive Coordinator Wes Goodwin After Three Seasons

Head coach Dabo Swinney cites defensive struggles as Clemson seeks a new leader for its defense by month's end.

Wes Goodwin, Clemson's defensive coordinator since 2022, was fired following a season marked by significant defensive regression.
Clemson's defense allowed an average of 160.6 rushing yards per game in 2024, its worst performance since 2011, including 292 yards allowed in a playoff loss to Texas.
Goodwin, promoted to replace Brent Venables in 2022, had been part of Clemson's program for 13 of the past 16 years and was a 2023 Broyles Award nominee.
Goodwin's contract, extended through 2026, includes a buyout clause requiring Clemson to pay him $1.5 million in 2025 and $1.6 million in 2026 unless mitigated by future employment.
Dabo Swinney aims to hire a new defensive coordinator by the end of January to lead the team’s talented roster into the 2025 season.