The Clemson Tigers are expected to move on from defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin now that the 2024 college football season has ended. Reports of the split surfaced earlier this week.
The university, however, has remained quiet on the claims. Nothing has been made public, and it seems even players have been left in the dark.
Goodwin took over for the Tigers‘ defense after former coordinator Brent Venables accepted the head coaching job at Oklahoma. In three seasons, his units have ranked 22nd, 31st, and 53rd nationally in points allowed per game.
This year was his worst in terms of production as Clemson surrendered 30 points or more in six of its 14 contests. That included a 34-31 win in the ACC title after allowing SMU to overcome a 17-point fourth quarter deficit, as well as a 38-24 loss to Texas in the College Football Playoff that saw the Longhorns rush for nearly 300 yards.
Many around the program believed it best to move on at year’s end. They appeared to get their wish over the weekend.
Source: Wes Goodwin will no longer be Clemson’s defensive coordinator. Tennessee DC Tim Banks frontrunner to be offered the job.
— Scott Hamilton (@ScottHamiltonPC) January 2, 2025
Reports of the split circulated social media this week. Whether true or not, the university has opted to play its cards close to the vest.
The school has not announced a firing. Goodwin still has two years remaining on his contract after negotiating a deal that was approved last February.
Players haven’t been informed of a move, either. Beat writer Chapel Fowler posted a series of messages on the situation to X.
“Reports on Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin being fired… A team spokesman tells me there are no staff changes to report as of tonight. Certainly doesn’t rule out things being in motion. But that’s the official word from Clemson at this very moment…
“Someone close to a Clemson defensive starter tells me that, as of early this morning, the player hasn’t heard from anyone at Clemson about an official staff change.”
The mysterious silence has caused pause for those believing that the Tigers have cut ties. There may be a reasonable explanation on the tight-lipped approach, though.
Wes Goodwin is being considered for another job.
We mentioned that Goodwin took over for Brent Venables three seasons ago. A reunion could be in store. Reports claim that Goodwin is the top candidate to fill Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator role after seeing Zac Alley accept the same role at West Virginia.
BREAKING: Oklahoma #Sooners are expected to hire Wes Goodwin as their next Defensive Coordinator:https://t.co/Uco9pGlrxg
— Matt Blackwell (@Cap_405) January 2, 2025
If hired, Clemson could avoid firing their coordinator even if the decision to move on has already been made. That would save the school a boatload of money.
According to The State Newspaper, Goodwin was set to make $1.5 million in 2025 and $1.6 million in 2026. The Tigers would owe 100% of that salary if fired, though that total would be “offset” by his new salary if he finds a new job.
Should Wes Goodwin leave on his own terms, however, he’d owe the university $775,000, which could be waived at Clemson’s discretion. There’s a strategy behind the silence.
The Tigers are expected to part ways their defensive coordinator. They hope that involves Goodwin being hired away rather than fired. Clemson remains quiet on the potential coaching change. Don’t expect to hear anything more until Oklahoma makes its decision.
The post Clemson Remains Silent On Reported Split With Defensive Coordinator appeared first on BroBible.
Clemson Remains Silent On Reported Split With Defensive Coordinator
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