Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has fired defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin, Swinney announced Monday.
The Tigers’ defense — particularly against the run — took a significant step back in the third season under Goodwin. Clemson allowed an average of 160.6 rushing yards per game — its worst performance since 2011. That includes 292 yards rushing allowed in a 38-24 loss to Texas in a College Football Playoff first-round game last month.
Goodwin was promoted from within in 2022 to replace Brent Venables, who left to become head coach at Oklahoma . In 2021, the last season under Venables, Clemson ranked No. 7 in the country in rush defense (96.3 yards per game) and No. 8 in total defense (310.2 yards per game).
Swinney said he met with Goodwin on Sunday night to inform him of the decision.
“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,” Swinney said in a statement. “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.”