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Some More Rebs On The Defensive Side Have Announced They Will Be Heading To The NFL Draft.
Potential Defensive Coordinator Target Seems Unlikely for Clemson Tigers
One potential target for the Clemson Tigers at defensive coordinator seems unlikely.
Nick Ziegler | Jan 8, 2025
Defensive coordinator Tim Banks coaches players during a drill during Tennessee Football s first fall practice, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023.
Defensive coordinator Tim Banks coaches players during a drill during Tennessee Football s first fall practice, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. / Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWOR
The Clemson Tigers are certainly busy so far this offseason with recruiting, the transfer portal, and adding a new defensive coordinator.
In 2024, it was a big step forward for the program.
The Tigers were able to win 10 games and an ACC title, but after earning their automatic bid to the College Football Playoff, they were eliminated in the first round.
Now, the team is excited about the 2025 campaign.
Dabo Swinney received the excellent news that a couple of his top players will be returning. On the offensive side of the ball, Cade Klubnik will be back for his senior season, and wide receiver Antonio Williams will be returning as well.
This duo will lead what should be one of the best offenses in the nation come next year. However, if the Tigers are going to reach their potential, they will need to improve their defense.
Last season, the defense for Clemson really struggled at times, especially against the run. This resulted in them parting ways with Wes Goodwin and has left an important position on the coaching staff to fill.
Will Vandervort of The Clemson Insider recently spoke about the defensive coordinator spot. He highlighted that one of the potential targets for the opening seems unlikely at this point.
“According to our sources, Clemson has had contact with Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks’ camp. As of right now, according to the information we have, Banks will not be the guy at Clemson.”
Tim Banks was certainly an appealing option for the Tigers after it became apparent that Goodwin’s tenure was over. With the Tennessee Volunteers, he helped create and develop one of the best defenses in the country that was excellent at stopping the run.
With a lot of experience, it would have been a good addition for Clemson with their desire to win in 2025.
Now, Swinney and the program seemingly will have to continue to look for other options.
One name who could be an interesting one to monitor is Indiana Hoosiers defensive coordinator Bryant Haines. The Hoosiers made the CFP as well, led by one of the best defenses in the country which Haines has been coaching for the last two years.
Finding the right coach to improve the defense, especially against the run, is arguably the most important thing that Swinney and the program must address this offseason.
If the Tigers can fix their defense, the sky is the limit in 2025.
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Dabo Swinney Makes Change to Clemson Tigers Football Coaching Staff Official
Dabo Swinney has officially announced a change being made to the Clemson Tigers football coaching staff.
By Kenneth Teape | Jan 6, 2025
Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin during Spring football practice at the Poe Indoor Practice Facility at the Allen N. Reeves football complex in Clemson S.C. Monday, March 4, 2024.
Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin during Spring football practice at the Poe Indoor Practice Facility at the Allen N. Reeves football complex in Clemson S.C. Monday, March 4, 2024. / Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Clemson Tigers finished the 2024 college football season with a 10-4 record and as ACC Champions, defeating the SMU Mustangs 34-31 to earn a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.
Their stay in the playoff was not long as they were defeated by the Texas Longhorns 38-24 in the first round.
It was a disappointing exit for sure, but an appearance that not many people expected from the Tigers based on how the season was trending at points in the regular season. They were written off at several points of the year but always found a way to overcome the odds with some help from other teams.
Expectations will once again be incredibly high as the team prepares for the 2025 campaign. A lot of talent on both sides of the ball will return to the team, but the coaching staff will undergo some major changes.
On Monday, head coach Dabo Swinney officially announced that defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin will not be returning to the coaching staff next season.
He released a statement about the change on the team’s official website.
“After meeting with Coach Goodwin on Sunday evening, I have decided to make a change at our defensive coordinator position. 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.
“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. 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.”
This was a move that had been rumored to be coming for days before it was made official on Monday morning.
Goodwin began his tenure with the program as a graduate assistant in 2009, a position he held through 2011. After that, he was a defensive analyst for three years before heading to the NFL and joining the Arizona Cardinals as an assistant to the head coach from 2015-2017.
In 2018, he began his second stint with Clemson as a senior defensive assistant. He held that position until 2021 before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2022, along with being the linebackers coach.
Goodwin took over as the leader of the defense when Will Venebles accepted the head coaching position with the Oklahoma Sooners.
Whoever is hired by Swinney to take over the job will be inheriting a unit with a ton of talent. They will have the pieces in place to get this unit back to the level we are accustomed to seeing them perform at
