CLEMSON — A Clemson spokesperson stated on the evening of January 1 that there were no staffing changes to announce.
However, multiple sources have confirmed to The Post and Courier that Wes Goodwin will not return as the Tigers’ defensive coordinator for the 2025 season.
Goodwin, who succeeded Brent Venables three years ago when Venables took the head coaching job at Oklahoma, experienced a rapid rise in the coaching ranks. A former off-the-field staff member with no previous experience as a position coach or play caller, Goodwin’s promotion to defensive coordinator was an unexpected leap. Despite this, he was nominated for the prestigious Broyles Award in 2023, which recognizes the top assistant coach in college football.
Nevertheless, Goodwin’s three-year tenure was marked by inconsistency, particularly in two critical areas. This season, Clemson’s defense gave up 23.4 points per game, ranking 53rd nationally—far below the 14.8 points per game allowed in 2021, which ranked second in the country under Venables.
Clemson’s rush defense also saw a noticeable decline. In Venables’ final season, the Tigers allowed just 2.8 yards per carry. Under Goodwin, that number increased to 3.3 in his first year, 3.8 in his second, and ultimately ballooned to 4.7 yards per rush in 2023. The defense struggled against top opponents, such as when Texas rushed for 292 yards in the College Football Playoff and Louisville ran for 215 yards in a crucial game that nearly dashed Clemson’s playoff hopes.
Clemson’s rush defense ranked 84th nationally, allowing an average of nearly 161 yards per game. While the pass defense was slightly better, finishing 58th with 214 yards allowed per game, it still wasn’t at an elite level.
Goodwin’s departure means that both of Dabo Swinney’s internal coordinator hires from 2021 have not lasted. Offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter, who replaced Tony Elliott, was let go after two seasons and replaced by Garrett Riley. Riley, who came from TCU, faced challenges in his first season in 2023, but the Tigers’ offense showed improvement under sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik, who threw 36 touchdown passes and just six interceptions.
Swinney will now need to focus on improving the defense in 2025, with a talented roster returning on both sides of the ball. Klubnik will return for his senior year, and the offense retains key players, including four out of five starting offensive linemen and a promising receiving corps.
On defense, the Tigers have rising stars like defensive linemen T.J. Parker and Peter Woods, linebacker Wade Woodaz, and promising young players in the secondary such as Avieon Terrell, Ashton Hampton, and Khalil Barnes.
Goodwin’s contract was extended through 2026 last February, with a fully guaranteed salary of $1.4 million per year. If Goodwin finds another coaching job, Clemson will only owe him the difference between his current salary and his new one.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Follow Jon Blau on Twitter @Jon_Blau for the latest updates on Clemson athletics.
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