Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Wake Forest fires defensive coordinator after ND loss

Published Sep. 23, 2018 5:49 p.m. ET

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Wake Forest has fired defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel.

Coach Dave Clawson announced the move Sunday, a day after the Demon Deacons' 56-27 loss to No. 8 Notre Dame , while saying it was "not a spur of the moment decision."

Wake Forest (2-2) has allowed 97 points in its past two games, and in four games has given up 10 touchdowns covering at least 20 yards. The Demon Deacons rank 114th in the nation, allowing 484 yards per game, and give up an average of nearly 314 yards passing to rank 121st in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Wake Forest promoted defensive analyst Tim Gilmore to a full-time coaching position and will split other defensive responsibilities among the remaining staff.