In a school release, Dabo Swinney explained why former Clemson football defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin will not return to his coaching staff.

Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin will not return for the Tigers in 2025, the university announced Monday. Goodwin spent three seasons as Clemson's defensive coordinator after replacing Brent Venables when he left for Oklahoma.

Wes Goodwin has been fired as Clemson’s defensive coordinator after three seasons. The Tigers traditionally have been one of the top run-stopping teams in the country but ranked 85th in rushing defense this season after allowing more than 200 yards in five games.

At the same time his job status at Clemson has come into question after a poor 2024 season, Goodwin also has been linked to the defensive coordinator job at Oklahoma, where former star Clemson DC Brent Venables is entering his fourth year as coach.

Goodwin had been the Tigers defensive coordinator since December 2021after being promoted from his role as a little-known analyst.

Goodwin was making $1.4 million in total salary in 2024, according to a copy of his most recent contract obtained by The State. He was set to earn $1.5 million in 2025-26 and $1.6 million in 2026-27 under a three-year deal approved last February.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has fired defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin after three seasons in the role. Goodwin was promoted to replace Brent Venables in 2022. Swinney said he informed Goodwin of the decision Sunday night.

Wes Goodwin had served as Clemson's defensive coordinator for three seasons, and the unit has been declining, especially on run defense.

Goodwin had been in charge of Clemson's defense for the past three seasons after Brent Venables left to take over the Oklahoma program.

Wes Goodwin will not return as Clemson's defensive coordinator. Dabo Swinney's replacements for Brent Venables and Tony Elliott are both gone.