Fri Jan 03 11:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Clemson Shakes Up Coaching Staff, Seeks Experienced Defensive Coordinator
**Clemson, SC (January 2, 2025)** – Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney has parted ways with defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin, according to multiple sources. Goodwin, who held the position for the past three years, will not return for the 2025 season.
Swinney is reportedly seeking a more experienced replacement, similar to his approach last year when hiring offensive line coach Matt Luke. Three names have emerged as potential candidates: Tennessee’s Tim Banks, Illinois’ Aaron Henry, and Georgia Tech’s Tyler Santucci. Longtime Clemson assistant Mike Reed is also a possibility.
Banks, whose Tennessee defense ranked among the nation’s top ten in several key categories in 2024, boasts extensive experience as a defensive coordinator since 2007. Henry, in his second year as Illinois’ defensive coordinator, oversaw significant defensive improvement leading to a 10-3 season. Santucci, after a successful first year at Georgia Tech, previously led Duke to the ACC’s top-ranked scoring defense in 2023. All three have been nominated for the Broyles Award.
The search for Clemson’s new defensive coordinator is ongoing. While these three are currently the leading candidates, other names may emerge.
First Piper 