On Monday, January 6th, Clemson Athletics announced that Dabo Swinney had decided to move on from defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin. This came after a disappointing output by the defense throughout the 2024 season, especially against the run. Even with the talent the Tigers had on defense, they finished outside the top 50 in FBS in both points allowed and yards allowed per game. They also gave up 160.6 rushing yards per game. Goodwin’s defense gave up 150 yards rushing in each of their last four games. They gave up 250+ yards on the ground in three of those four.
Major adjustments were needed to bring an immensely talented defense up to standard. Goodwin or any other coach losing their job is never a good thing. However, it creates excitement around the program if the right person is brought in. With the first week of the search coming to a close, the hunt for the new Clemson defensive coordinator is just getting started.
Clemson Searches for its Next Defensive Coordinator
What Swinney is Looking for
Just like with any other job, there are certain attributes Swinney will be looking for in who he hires as his new defensive coordinator. The top priority for Swinney in his hunt is said to be someone with coordinator experience already. This is similar to the approach he took when selecting a new offensive coordinator after the 2022 season. That is how Garrett Riley eventually ended up in Death Valley. Swinney looks to be attempting to create a similar spark.
For years Swinney opted to promote his coaches from within. That is how Goodwin got the defensive coordinator job after Brent Venables took the head coaching job at Oklahoma. Goodwin was a long-time defensive assistant at Clemson under Venables before earning the coordinator job…