Clemson makes shocking decision to fire defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin

In a significant coaching change, Dabo Swinney announced the firing of Wes Goodwin as the defensive coordinator for Clemson University on January 8, 2025. This decision came after the Clemson Tigers' defense struggled throughout the 2024 season, particularly in defending the run. The team allowed an alarming average of 160.6 rushing yards per game, marking their worst performance since 2011. This included a particularly troubling loss where the Tigers surrendered 292 rushing yards against Texas in the College Football Playoff. Goodwin was promoted to the position in 2022, taking over from Brent Venables, who left for a head coaching role at Oklahoma. Under Goodwin's leadership, the Tigers' defense saw a significant drop in performance, moving from a respectable rank of seventh in rush defense in 2021 to significant regression. Swinney highlighted Goodwin's long-standing contributions to the program, having been part of the team for 13 of the past 16 years, but felt compelled to make changes in light of the team's disappointing outcomes. The Tigers' defensive struggles have raised questions about the coaching strategies employed during Goodwin's tenure. In the 2024 season, the defense dropped from a strong previous performance to 25th in the nation in both total yards and points allowed, solidifying the need for a change at the defensive helm. Swinney stated that he hopes to have a new defensive coordinator appointed by the end of the month to help solidify the defense moving forward. With the program looking towards a better future, Swinney's commitment to addressing the defensive issues indicates a strategic pivot for the upcoming 2025 season. The loss to Texas, among other challenges faced, has clearly impacted Swinney's decision to restructure the coaching staff, aiming to utilize a new leader to maximize the potential of an undoubtedly talented roster moving forward.