After days of speculation, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney confirmed on Monday that defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin would not be returning to the team for the 2025 season. This decision followed a meeting between Swinney and Goodwin on Sunday evening, where the head coach decided to make a change in the defensive coordinator role.
Swinney expressed his appreciation for Goodwin’s contributions to the program, noting his strong character, commitment, leadership, and tireless work ethic. Swinney also acknowledged Goodwin’s significant role in the success Clemson experienced over the years. “Wes has been a part of our program for 13 of the past 16 years,” Swinney said in a statement. “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.”
Goodwin, who had been with Clemson for over a decade, initially joined the team as a defensive analyst three seasons ago. His promotion to defensive coordinator came ahead of the 2022 season after Brent Venables left Clemson to take the head coaching job at Oklahoma. During his first two seasons as coordinator, Goodwin’s defense performed solidly. In 2022, the team ranked 26th in the nation in Yards Per Play, and in 2023, they improved to 9th in the country. However, the 2024 season marked a significant downturn, as Clemson’s defense dropped to 64th in Yards Per Play nationally.
While Goodwin had shown promise in his early years as a coordinator, the decline in defensive performance during the 2024 season ultimately led to the decision to part ways. Swinney’s statement highlighted his respect for Goodwin and his family, as well as his gratitude for the work Goodwin put into his role. The move comes as Clemson looks to make changes for the future and build upon the team’s long-standing success.