´Clemson’s search for a new defensive coordinator has taken another turn. Following the departure of Wes Goodwin after three seasons, the Tigers were initially believed to be targeting Tennessee’s Tim Banks to take over their defense. However, recent developments indicate that Banks has opted to remain with the Volunteers, leaving Clemson to look elsewhere
Goodwin’s final season leading Clemson’s defense was far from the program’s usual standards. The Tigers ranked 69th nationally in total defense, allowing an average of 374.1 yards per game. A change was inevitable for head coach Dabo Swinney, who now faces the
challenge of securing a defensive coordinator capable of guiding Clemson back to College Football Playoff contention.
Banks, who has been Tennessee’s defensive coordinator since 2021, seemed like an ideal candidate. The Volunteers boasted a top-10 defense in 2024, allowing just 293.2 yards per game, good for seventh in the nation. Banks’ recent success, combined with his experience at Penn State and Illinois, made him a prime target for Clemson.
However, according to Scott Hamilton at the Post and Courier, Banks is no long considered a candidate for the position. There is a new frontrunner, and he’s currently coaching in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff: Notre Dame’s Al Golden.
Golden has revitalized the Fighting Irish defense since his arrival in 2022. This season, his unit ranked eighth nationally, allowing just 295.4 yards per game. Golden’s extensive experience includes stints as head coach at Temple and Miami, as well as defensive coordinator at Virginia. Additionally, he’s been an assistant coach in the NFL with the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals.
Golden’s departure from Notre Dame would add massive intrigue to an already anticipated Orange Bowl matchup, as the Fighting Irish are set to face Penn State on Thursday with a national championship berth on the line.
For now, Clemson’s defensive coordinator search continues, but the program’s sights appear to no be set on Golden as they aim to restore their defensive dominance they once had when they themselves were competing for national titles.
