Official announcement from Wake Forest University or major sports news outlets

Dave Clawson Steps Down as Wake Forest Head Coach After 11 Seasons, Will Remain in Advisory Role

Dec 16, 2024, 08:48 PM

Dave Clawson is stepping down as the head coach of Wake Forest University's football team after 11 seasons, beginning in 2014, various sources confirmed, including ESPN, CBS Sports, and The Athletic. Clawson compiled a 67-69 record with the Demon Deacons, achieving a .493 winning percentage, the highest for a Wake Forest coach since Peahead Walker from 1937 to 1950. He led the team to seven consecutive bowl appearances from 2016 to 2022, including an 11-3 season in 2021. However, the team had back-to-back 4-8 seasons leading up to his departure. Clawson is noted for his innovative 'Slow Mesh' offense and has been an important voice in addressing the sport's most pressing issues. In a statement, he said, 'Coaching at Wake Forest has been the honor of my career. This is a special place with extraordinary people, and I am deeply grateful for the relationships I've built over the last 11 years. Together, we achieved things many thought impossible, and I step down knowing I gave everything.' He is expected to remain with the university in an advisory role. His departure comes amid challenges in the evolving landscape of college football, including Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) regulations and the transfer portal. Wake Forest is expected to conduct a national search to replace Clawson.