A new defensive coordinator is needed at Penn State.
Tom Allen is leaving Happy Valley for Clemson after just one season with the Nittany Lions. Allen’s agreement to take over as Clemson’s defensive coordinator was announced on Monday. On Monday evening, he was taken down from Penn State’s official website, and on Tuesday, Clemson’s superiors are expected to accept his hiring.
James Franklin will have to select his third defensive coordinator in the previous four years due to Allen’s imminent departure. Here, we examine some possible Allen replacements.
Penn State co-DC/S Anthony Poindexter
Franklin may already have a successor for Allen on the coaching staff. Poindexter, the safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator at Penn State, recently concluded his fourth season in Happy Valley. The 48-year-old College Football Hall of Fame inductee and former All-American defensive back at Virginia is ready to advance in his career.
Prior to Franklin hiring Allen for the permanent position, Poindexter was the team’s co-interim defensive coordinator for the Peach Bowl the previous season. Poindexter came quite close to being Virginia’s head coach a few years ago, and if he is not elevated, he has every right to depart soon. During his time at State College, Poindexter has recruited well and developed NFL quality. He is not someone Penn State wants to lose.
Ohio State’s Jim Knowles, Washington
The huge fish is this one. Penn State has previously made contact with Knowles, so it wouldn’t be shocking if the Nittany Lions made another attempt to recruit the Ohio State defensive coordinator.
However, why would Knowles depart? In his third season with the Buckeyes, the 59-year-old Philadelphia native is competing for the national championship. At a program that consistently produces first-round picks, he manages a defense that is full of NFL talent. Additionally, he earns $2.2 million year, which is significantly more than Allen’s $1.55 million pay at Penn State.
Knowles is one of the top defensive coordinators in the nation, and Penn State and athletic director Pat Kraft may attempt to back up the Brinks truck for him. Even so, would they be strong enough to persuade him to quit Ohio State? I don’t think so.
USC’s D. Anton Lynn, DC
A rising talent in the coaching field, Lynn is 35 years old. Before leading UCLA’s defense in 2023, the Penn State letterman worked as an NFL coach with the Jets, Bills, Chargers, Texans, and Ravens. UCLA came in seventh in sacks and tenth in total defense.
This past season, Lynn took over as USC’s DC. The Trojans came in at number 53 in run defense and 98th in pass defense. However, after the Trojans’ terrible 2023 season, Lynn was given the responsibility of altering that defensive identity, as Franklin mentioned prior to playing USC. It’s simpler to overlook when you combine that with USC’s apparent dismissal of the season following their loss to Penn State.
In October, Franklin stated that we are extremely familiar with Lynn. Maybe the former Nittany Lion returns to Happy Valley with Penn State.
Al Golden, the defensive coordinator for Notre Dame, during the Orange Bowl’s second quarter on January 9, 2025.
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At Notre Dame, Al Golden, DC
Golden might merit a call, along the lines of Knowles. Would the Penn State letterman, however, decide to move to Happy Valley from Notre Dame? Most likely not.
In South Bend, Golden is doing well. Because of their tenacious defense, the Irish are vying for the national championship. The Orange Bowl victory of Notre Dame over Penn State was largely due to Golden’s strategy of heavy man coverage with innovative blitzes. Golden, who is in his third season with the Irish, is a finalist for the Broyles Award, which is presented to the best assistant in college football.
Golden almost became the head coach of Penn State before Franklin was appointed. He interviewed for the job several times before declaring that he would continue to be the head coach of Miami. After being let go by the Hurricanes in 2015, Golden joined the NFL as a position coach.
UMass’s Joe Harasymiak, HC
The fact that Harasymiak only took over as head coach of UMass last month presents an apparent obstacle. However, it is well known that the coaching carousel results in swift departures. Thus, never say never.
Harasymiak served as a successful defensive coordinator at Rutgers and Minnesota. The Golden Gophers finished third in the country in 2021 for total defense. Following a rapid turnaround with the Scarlet Knights, he was nominated for a Broyles Award in 2022 and 2023.
One of the main advantages of using Harasymiak? He is a native of New Jersey and would increase the number of recruits from the Garden State.
Dan Connor, a Penn State analyst
Connor’s transition from analyst to power conference defensive coordinator is most likely premature. However, it’s important to acknowledge Connor’s significance to the Nittany Lions.
Under both Allen and Manny Diaz, Connor, the program’s all-time tackles leader, has been a vital part of Penn State’s staff. Connor assumed more responsibility in 2024, calling plays on game day and acting as a makeshift linebackers coach during practice. Both recruiters and players have praised the 39-year-old assistant.
The Strath Haven alumnus has called defensive plays at Widener and West Chester. It is a different beast to do so in the Big Ten. However, it is essential that Penn State retain Connor.
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Johnny McGonigal