Clemson, SC – Following the departure of Wes Goodwin from the role of defensive coordinator for the Clemson Tigers, the university has begun the search for a new strategist to lead their defense. Here’s a look at the candidates currently in the mix:
Tim Banks – University of Tennessee
Accolades and Statistics:
- Experience: Tim Banks has established himself as a seasoned defensive mind, having served as the defensive coordinator for Tennessee since 2021. Before Tennessee, he held similar roles at Penn State and Illinois.
- Performance at Tennessee: Under Banks, Tennessee’s defense has seen significant improvements. In 2023, the Volunteers ranked 32nd in total defense and 22nd in scoring defense nationally. They also led the country in defensive touchdowns, showcasing an aggressive and opportunistic defense.
- Previous Achievements: Banks transformed Illinois’ defense from one of the worst in the Big Ten to a notable improvement, highlighting his capability to uplift struggling units.
What He’s Done So Far:
- Banks is known for his ability to build defenses that are both physically imposing and tactically sound. His approach often involves creating chaos for opposing offenses, leading to turnovers and big plays.
Tyler Santucci – Georgia Tech
Accolades and Statistics:
- From Duke to Georgia Tech: Santucci moved to Georgia Tech after an impressive stint as Duke’s defensive coordinator in 2023, where he led the ACC’s top-ranked scoring defense, allowing just 19.0 points per game, ranking 16th nationally.
- Experience: Prior to Duke, Santucci was the co-defensive coordinator at Texas A&M and has a history of working under Mike Elko, known for his defensive acumen.
- Georgia Tech Impact: In his first year at Georgia Tech, Santucci’s defense made strides, although specific statistics from 2024 are not yet fully documented.
What He’s Famous For:
- Santucci is celebrated for his ability to coordinate defenses that excel in multiple areas, from rush defense to third-down efficiency, showcasing a versatile defensive playbook.
Illinois Defensive Coordinator – Aaron Henry
Accolades and Statistics:
- Current Role: Aaron Henry has been the defensive coordinator for Illinois, where he has been instrumental in turning around the team’s defensive performance.
- Performance: In 2024, Henry’s Fighting Illini defense climbed over 50 spots in national rankings for scoring defense, finishing 40th by allowing 22.1 points per game. This improvement was key in Illinois achieving a 10-3 record and a bowl game victory.
What He’s Done So Far:
- Henry’s defenses are noted for their resilience and improvement year-over-year, transitioning from one of the conference’s weaker defenses to a competitive unit.
Zach Alley – West Virginia, Former Oklahoma and Clemson Graduate
Ties to Clemson:
- Educational Background: Alley graduated from Clemson, which could play a role in his candidacy due to his familiarity with the program’s culture and expectations.
- Coaching Journey: After serving under Brent Venables at Oklahoma, Alley took on the defensive coordinator role at West Virginia in early 2025, showcasing his rapid rise in the coaching ranks.
Potential Return:
- While currently committed to West Virginia, Alley’s deep connection to Clemson might make him a sentimental choice should he become available. His understanding of the Clemson defensive philosophy could facilitate a seamless transition if considered.
Conclusion:
The Clemson defensive coordinator position is one of the most coveted in college football, given the program’s history of success. Each candidate brings a unique set of skills and achievements to the table, with Banks known for his defensive innovation, Santucci for his recent success in the ACC, Henry for his program turnaround, and Alley for his Clemson roots. As Clemson looks to rebuild its defensive identity, the choice of the new coordinator will be pivotal in shaping the team’s future on the gridiron.
