Clemson coordinators prepared, thankful for new opportunity

For new Clemson coordinators Brandon Streeter and Wes Goodwin, Monday’s game against Georgia Tech will mark a milestone.

Both Streeter and Goodwin have called plays for the Tigers before.

Streeter stepped up when Tony Elliott missed the Sugar Bowl against Ohio State a few years back due to COVID-19, while Goodwin was in charge of Clemson’s defense for last year’s Cheez-It Bowl win against Iowa State.

But this is a bit different.

There were already systems and plays in place when Streeter and Goodwin last called plays. Now this is Streeter’s offense and Goodwin’s defense, and they’ve had an entire offseason to put their own twist on it.

“It’s like Christmas Day, honestly,” Goodwin said this week. “I just feel really excited and really thankful for this opportunity. I’ve prepared a long time for this opportunity.”

Goodwin spent time previously as an analyst with the Tigers, before Dabo Swinney surprised many by promoting him to DC when Brent Venables left for Oklahoma.

While some questioned if Goodwin was ready for this jump, Swinney had no doubt.

“If I’ve done anything well in my career it’s identifying people,” Swinney said. “This is my livelihood, this is what I do. These aren’t decisions that you just flip a coin on. I’ve got a lot of people that count on me to make decisions, because it impacts a lot of people. But it was an easy decision to hire Wes Goodwin, because he earned it. He deserved it.”

Swinney has said the same about promoting Streeter, calling that a “no-brainer” situation.

Streeter has been Clemson’s quarterbacks coach since 2015, after previously spending time as an assistant at Charleston Southern, Liberty and Richmond.

Streeter was the offensive coordinator at both Liberty and Richmond, but admitted that preparing for his first game as the OC at Clemson is different. He can’t wait for Monday night.

“I’ve been waiting for this time for a long time. The exciting thing is that I’m able to have the opportunity to call plays and be the offensive coordinator at my alma mater. It’s been kind of a long time coming, and I’ve learned from some great, great guys, great friends,” Streeter said. “It’s more exciting than anything, and it’s an experience that I’ve had before at a different place. So just that excitement about getting ready to go and it finally being game week.”