Dave Clawson addresses decision to step down as Wake Forest head coach

Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson stepped down from his position on Monday following the 2024 college football season.

Clawson has been the head coach at for the Demon Deacons since 2014, amassing a record of 67-69 in 11 seasons. He led Wake Forest to the 2021 ACC Championship Game as well, seeing that team finish 11-3 overall.

He now owns the title of ‘Special Advisor to Vice President and Director of Athletics Currie,’ per release. There, he addressed his decision to move on from his position for the first time.

“Coaching at Wake Forest has been the honor of my career,” Clawson said. “This is a special place with extraordinary people, and I am deeply grateful for the relationships I’ve built over the last 11 years. Together, we achieved things that many thought impossible, and I step down knowing I gave everything I had for this program and University. I want to thank our players, coaches and staff for their unwavering support and dedication since my arrival to help build a sustainable winning program.”

He also directed his message to those on the outside who have supported him throughout his tenure at Wake Forest.

“With that, I am so grateful for our student body, fans and so many special Wake Foresters who invested their time, efforts and money into helping us win,” his statement continued.

“While this chapter is ending, my pride in what we’ve built here will never fade. After completing my 25th season as a head coach and 36th-straight in college football, the timing is right for me and my family to step away into this new role within Wake Forest University.”

Wake Forest will begin its head coaching search immediately following a rough 2024 campaign that saw the Demon Deacons start 4-4 to open the season. Wake Forest eventually ended the year with four straight losses, three of which came by one score and missed out on qualifying for a bowl game.