Pete Thamel, Senior College Sports Insider. Dec 16, 2024, 03:38 PM ET. College Football Senior Writer for ESPN. Insider for College Gameday.

Epitome of Coaching Excellence at Wake Forest

Dave Clawson, the esteemed football coach at Wake Forest, has made a significant decision. After 11 seasons at the helm, he has resigned but will remain with the university in an advisory capacity. This move comes as a surprise yet a testament to his impact on the program.During his tenure, Clawson led Wake Forest to seven consecutive bowl games, including top-10 appearances in 2021 and 2022. These are remarkable achievements that have etched his name in the history of Wake Forest football. His leadership elevated the program to new heights, setting an enduring example of excellence and integrity.The decision to step down was his own, as he felt the time was right. It is reminiscent of recent moves by Virginia basketball coach Tony Bennett and former Washington football coach Chris Petersen, who also stepped away due to the changing era in the sport.Clawson, 57, is expected to take a year off to recharge and refresh after 25 years as a head coach. He is the only coach in NCAA history to lead four Division I programs - Fordham, Richmond, Bowling Green, and Wake Forest - to double-digit wins in a season. His record of 67-69 at Wake Forest is the best winning percentage among coaches since the school joined the ACC in 1953.

Accomplishments on the Field

Clawson's highlights are numerous. He took Wake Forest to the ACC title game in 2021 and led the Demon Deacons to three consecutive wins over Florida State from 2019 to 2021. He also achieved a victory over Texas A&M in the Belk Bowl. These victories have become iconic moments in Wake Forest football history.His ability to build teams and develop players is evident in the success he has achieved. He has turned down interest from multiple schools over the years, choosing to stay at Wake Forest and continue to make a difference.

Challenges in the Current Era

The current era of college football has presented challenges for Clawson. The inability to retain top talent due to NIL and the transfer portal has blunted the effectiveness of Wake Forest's edges. In recent seasons, the team has struggled with player departures, losing more than a dozen starters in the past two-and-a-half years.This has been a source of frustration for Clawson, as he has hinted at Wake Forest's NIL limitations. In some games this season, there were claims that individual players on the opposing team had bigger NIL deals than Wake Forest's entire roster. While NIL numbers are not public, these claims highlight the challenges faced by the program.After a loss to Louisiana of the Sun Belt earlier this season, Clawson expressed his frustration, stating that to fix problems, you need a lot of money. This sentiment reflects the difficulties faced by the team in competing in the current college football landscape.

Impact on the Community

Clawson's leadership has not only been felt on the field but also in the community. He has embodied Wake Forest's motto of Pro Humanitate, fostering success in various aspects. His influence extends beyond the football program, setting an example for young men to become leaders in life.Wake Forest president Susan R. Wente praised Clawson's leadership, stating that he has elevated the football program to new heights and set an enduring example of excellence. Athletic director John Currie also emphasized Clawson's integrity, innovation, and excellence, highlighting his impact on the entire community and university.In conclusion, Dave Clawson's resignation from Wake Forest football is a significant event. His legacy will live on through the achievements of the program and the players he has developed. As he steps into his new advisory role, the future of Wake Forest football remains bright.