Dave Clawson’s departure from Wake Forest marks the end of an influential 11-year tenure with the university, which is known for its meager enrollment numbers among Bowl Subdivision schools. Clawson announced his resignation on Monday, acknowledging that he had given “everything I had” to the program during his time there.
Under Clawson’s leadership, Wake Forest achieved remarkable success, including an 11-win season and a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship game in 2021. His teams also made appearances in the top 10 of the Associated Press poll in both 2021 and 2022, showcasing a streak of six consecutive bowl games. However, the recent seasons have been less favorable, as the Demon Deacons finished at 4-8, struggling to adapt to the evolving landscape of college football characterized by player movements through the transfer portal and new NIL (name, image, likeness) opportunities.
In a statement, Clawson expressed that it was the “right time” to transition to a new advisory role with athletic director John Currie after dedicating 36 seasons to coaching at the collegiate level. Wake Forest’s current undergraduate enrollment stands at 5,471 for the 2023-24 academic year. “Coaching at Wake Forest has been the honor of my career,” Clawson remarked. He reflected on the extraordinary individuals he encountered and expressed gratitude for the lasting relationships established over the years, during which they achieved what many deemed impossible.
Currie added in an open letter on the school’s athletics page that the announcement was unexpected and not the news they wished to convey. He shared that Clawson had recently revealed his thoughts about the future, leaving Currie hopeful until their meeting that day. They communicated the news to the team via Zoom just moments before the public announcement.
Clawson’s journey with Wake Forest began in 2014, following Jim Grobe’s successful tenure that included winning the ACC title in 2006. Clawson implemented a strategy focused on player retention and development, which allowed the team to compete against programs garnering four- and five-star recruits. His approach involved redshirting younger players, allowing them time to mature and gradually increase their responsibilities, ensuring a disciplined style of play to minimize errors.
When in peak form, Wake Forest showcased a potent, fast-paced offense and consistently ranked among the top teams nationally for minimizing turnovers and penalties. Clawson’s coaching staff enjoyed extensive continuity, contributing to a culture that Currie described as essential to Wake Forest’s football program.
During their seven-year bowl streak from 2016-2022, the Demon Deacons saw impressive statistics, including a +39 turnover margin, ranking eighth in the FBS, as well as outstanding performances in terms of penalty yards and frequency.
The pinnacle of Clawson’s coaching came in 2021, coinciding with a contract extension shortly before winning the ACC division title. That standout season saw the Demon Deacons start at an impressive 8-0 and achieve a No. 10 AP ranking, driven by their star quarterback, Sam Hartman, and an offense that ranked high nationally in scoring and third-down conversions.
Challenges arose, however, as Hartman became a symbol of the current difficulties faced in collegiate football. Just two years later, he transferred to Notre Dame in search of new opportunities, illustrating the upheaval these programs now face. Clawson voiced concerns about retaining players, as others sought to lure his athletes away with enticing financial offers.
The latest season found Wake Forest struggling defensively, and they encountered a series of disappointing defeats. Among the heart-wrenching moments were a blown 13-point lead against Virginia in their second game, followed by a devastating loss to Louisiana after a last-minute field goal attempt hit the goalpost. Despite a promising recovery with three consecutive wins on the road, the team ultimately needed to win just two games from their final four to attain bowl eligibility but suffered losses across the board, culminating in a disheartening defeat against Duke.
Ultimately, the loss to Duke, where Wake Forest faltered in the final moments, signified a bitter end to Clawson’s tenure at the university.