Dabo Swinney announces Wes Goodwin fired as defensive coordinator

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has announced that defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin will not return for the 2025 season.

Swinney announced the move in a press release Monday morning, while thanking Wes Goodwin for his contributions to the Tigers staff. Goodwin was promoted from an analyst role to Clemson defensive coordinator after Brent Venables was hired as the Oklahoma head coach ahead of the 2022 season.

“After meeting with Coach Goodwin on Sunday evening, I have decided to make a change at our defensive coordinator position,” Dabo Swinney said in a statement. “I want to thank Wes for his character, commitment, leadership and dedication as well as the relentless work ethic with which he approached his job every day.

“Wes has been a part of our program for 13 of the past 16 years, and 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.”

Wes Goodwin was a surprising hire as the Clemson defensive coordinator back in 2022, but Swinney felt like he would be able to keep Clemson’s defense performing at a high level, as it did under Venables.

The Tigers were solid defensively in 2022 and excellent in 2023, but the unit slipped to No. 69 nationally in total defense and No. 49 in scoring defense in 2024.

Wes Goodwin and the Tigers allowed more than 150 rushing yards eight times this season, including in each of the final four games. Clemson also allowed more than 200 rushing yards five times, including in three of the final four games.

Despite that, Clemson still made the College Football Playoff this season. But the defense allowed 494 total yards and 292 rushing yards to Texas in a 38-24 loss in the first round.

Dabo Swinney also provided a timeline for when he hopes to have a replacement for Wes Goodwin in place.

“I will start the interview process immediately and will hope to have our new defensive coordinator named by the end of the month or sooner,” Swinney said. “Our staff has been hard at work on our roster, and we look forward to solidifying our defensive coordinator position to help lead this extremely talented group as we pursue our goals for 2025.”