Dave Clawson is a distinguished Football coach, currently serving as the head coach for Wake Forest University. His coaching journey began after he graduated from Williams College, where he played as a defensive back. Clawson’s early career included roles as a graduate assistant at Albany and coaching positions at Buffalo and Lehigh, where he honed his skills in offensive strategy and player development.
Clawson’s first head coaching opportunity came at Fordham University, where he faced initial challenges with a winless season. However, his resilience paid off as he transformed the program, leading the Rams to a Patriot League title in 2002 and their first postseason appearance in over six decades. His tenure at Fordham concluded with a balanced record of 29-29, showcasing his ability to build competitive teams.
Following Fordham, Clawson took the helm at the University of Richmond, where he achieved remarkable success, including two Coach of the Year awards. Under his leadership, Richmond rebounded from a tough start to win the Atlantic 10 Conference and reach the playoffs, solidifying his reputation as a program revitalizer.
Clawson’s coaching prowess culminated at Wake Forest, where he was named the 2021 ACC Coach of the Year. His innovative approach and commitment to excellence have not only elevated the Wake Forest program but also established him as one of the most respected coaches in college Football today.
