Wes Godwin is officially out as the defensive coordinator at Clemson. The search for a replacement begins immediately.
For Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, the decision to part ways with defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin is more than a personnel move—it is a poignant moment in a relationship that has spanned nearly 15 years. Goodwin, a Mississippi State alumnus, first arrived in Clemson as a graduate assistant in 2009, a young coach with big ambitions. Over two separate stints, he grew into one of Swinney’s trusted lieutenants, serving as a defensive analyst, an NFL assistant with the Arizona Cardinals, and eventually, Clemson’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
Godwin Has Been With Swinnery for Parts of 15-seasons
Promoted to the top defensive role in 2022 after the departure of Brent Venables, Wes Goodwin was tasked with maintaining a proud tradition—one built on dominance, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. For a time, he succeeded. In 2023, Clemson led the ACC in total defense, a testament to his tactical acumen and connection with his players. But football is a game of results, and in 2024, those results faltered.
This season saw Clemson’s defense uncharacteristically vulnerable. The Tigers allowed 23.4 points per game, ranking 53rd nationally, and their struggles against the run were glaring. Opponents averaged 160.7 rushing yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry—numbers that were among the worst in the program’s recent history. Big plays, the kind that can break a team’s spirit, were all too common, as Clemson surrendered 73 plays of 20 or more yards, tied for 126th nationally. The final blow came in the College Football Playoff’s first round, where Texas amassed 292 rushing yards en route to a 38-24 victory.
This was decisively Clemson's worst defense in the past decade. pic.twitter.com/yhJps1Mm41
— Ryan Kantor (@ryan_kantor) December 23, 2024
For Swinney, the decision to part ways with Goodwin is as much about the future as it is about the past. “Sometimes, to grow, you have to make difficult choices,” Swinney might say, echoing the sentiment he expressed after parting ways with offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter in 2022. That decision paved the way for Garrett Riley, whose offensive innovation revitalized the Tigers’ attack. Now, Clemson hopes for a similar transformation on the defensive side of the ball.
Who Will Clemson Target Next?
The search for Wes Goodwin’s successor has already begun, and one name stands out: Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks. Under Banks’ guidance, the Volunteers ranked seventh nationally in total defense and ninth against the run this season. His ability to build a unit capable of thriving in the SEC’s high-octane environment makes him a compelling candidate.
Source: Wes Goodwin will no longer be Clemson’s defensive coordinator. Tennessee DC Tim Banks frontrunner to be offered the job.
— Scott Hamilton (@ScottHamiltonPC) January 2, 2025
Yet, as Clemson considers its next move, questions remain about the broader scope of potential changes within the coaching staff. Those answers will likely come in the weeks ahead, as official announcements are made.
Goodwin’s departure marks the end of a chapter filled with highs and lows. While his tenure concludes on a somber note, it is impossible to ignore the moments of brilliance he brought to the program. For Clemson, the challenge now is to turn the page, reignite its defensive identity, and chart a course back to the standard of greatness that has defined the Swinney era.
