The family is deeply involved in philanthropy.
Dave Clawson, an American football coach and former player, has been the head coach of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team since 2014.
Under his leadership, Wake Forest has become a regular contender in the ACC. In the 2021 season, he guided the team to its first-ever ACC Atlantic Division title.
While his professional life has been remarkable, Clawson’s personal life, including his marriage to Catherine Clawson, adds an interesting layer to his story.
Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson had plenty to say about Dabo Swinney not using the portal much at Clemson yday: “When (transfers) get a lot of money and don’t work out, don’t think that doesn’t cause issues in the locker room … I think he believes in the guys he’s recruited” pic.twitter.com/UvImlHL89n
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) October 9, 2024
Catherine has been a constant source of support for Dave throughout his career.
Although her life is largely kept from public view, her impact on Dave’s personal and professional life is evident.
One of the few public examples of their partnership came during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, Dave made the difficult decision to live apart from Catherine for the entirety of the football season due to her compromised immune system.
Catherine, who had undergone chemotherapy for cancer, was at higher risk of severe illness if exposed to the virus.
"This community has become our home, and we're excited to give back to Wake Forest." – @CoachClawson 🎩
— Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) March 28, 2022
Making an impact on @WakeForest with the Dave and Catherine Clawson Scholarship.
📰: https://t.co/DAzgKmJhAz pic.twitter.com/wbuIgvcbad
The couple is also involved in philanthropic efforts.
In 2022, they donated $250,000 to establish the Dave and Catherine Clawson Scholarship at Wake Forest.
This initiative provides financial aid to first-generation college students and those from diverse backgrounds, ensuring access to education for deserving individuals.
Dave and Catherine Clawson have two children: Courtney and Eric. Courtney is a publicist for NBC News.
While both children live private lives, they occasionally attend football events with their dad.
The family has embraced Wake Forest and Winston-Salem as their home.
Clawson has described their time at Wake Forest as the longest they’ve ever lived in one place.
Five years ago today, I moved into @DavidsonCollege for my freshman year, my dad turned 50 and my mom finished her last radiation treatment for breast cancer. Today, we celebrate my mom being cancer free for five years and @CoachClawson turning… you can do the math. Grateful! pic.twitter.com/j80AR3fKxH
— Courtney Clawson (@courtclawson17) August 16, 2022
Before arriving at Wake Forest, Dave Clawson built a reputation as a program reviver during his coaching stints at Fordham, Richmond, and Bowling Green.
He began his head coaching career at Fordham, where he transformed the team from a struggling program to Patriot League champions in 2002.
Clawson’s success continued at Richmond, leading the Spiders to two CAA titles and an FCS playoff appearance in 2007.
In 2009, he became the offensive coordinator at Tennessee before becoming the head coach at Bowling Green.
He orchestrated another turnaround there, leading the Falcons to the 2013 MAC Championship with a 10-3 record.
This track record of rebuilding struggling teams made him a natural choice for Wake Forest in 2014, where he has continued his legacy of consistent success.
.@WakeFB head coach Dave Clawson feels "very fortunate and lucky" but also "very proud" to walk out a winner.@tiffblackmon pic.twitter.com/tXNjLjnffg
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 19, 2024
Clawson signed a long-term contract extension with Wake Forest in 2021, though specific terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
However, publicly available information indicates he earned approximately $3.6 million in 2021, a significant increase from his previous year’s salary of $2.3 million.
Under his leadership, Wake Forest has seen unprecedented success, including their highest AP Poll ranking (No. 10) and consistent bowl game appearances.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Dave Clawson graduated from Williams College with a degree in political economy. He also earned a master’s degree in liberal studies from the University at Albany.
- Clawson is the only head coach in NCAA history to win 10 games in a single season at four different Division I institutions.
- In January 2022, Clawson was named a member of the American Football Coaches Association Board of Trustees.
