Officially, Penn State no longer has a defense coordinator. On Tuesday afternoon, Tom Allen was officially named Clemson’s new defensive coordinator following 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 University officials authorized his hire.
Allen’s salary at Clemson will increase. In 2024, he earned $1.5 million while attending Penn State. He will start at Clemson with a salary of $1.9 million. However, the 54-year-old will also be nearer to family as a result of the move.
I appreciate Coach Swinney giving me the chance to be the defense’s leader. I’ve long respected him from a distance, and I’m excited to work for him and his defense team. In a statement, Allen stated, “I am still immensely thankful for the chance James Franklin gave me to be a part of Penn State football, a program that is championship-caliber in every way and will continue to compete at the highest level.” I had a great time at PSU and wish them all the best.
I place a high value on my family, and this move gives us the exceptional chance to live near our daughters. This relocation unites us after our children have sacrificed so much over the years in the coaching industry.
Following Manny Diaz’s departure to take a position as head coach at Duke, James Franklin hired Allen, the former Indiana coach, prior to the 2024 campaign. Allen led one of the nation’s best defenses to the College Football Playoff semifinals during his successful first and only season in Happy Valley.
In a number of important criteria, Penn State concluded the season in the top 10 nationally. In terms of scoring defense (16.5 points per game), total defense (294.8 yards per game), run defense (101.9 yards per game), tackles for loss (119), sacks (44) and takeaways (26), the Nittany Lions came in tenth out of 134 FBS teams.
During its drive for the CFP, Penn State’s defense was very strong. In their 38-10 victory over SMU, the Nittany Lions recorded three interceptions, including two pick-sixes. In the CFP quarterfinals, they held Ashton Jeanty, the running back for Boise State and the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, to 104 yards on 30 carries. With five sacks and two interceptions in a 27–24 loss to Notre Dame in the CFP semifinals, the defense performed admirably overall, but for a few errors.
Allen was selected as a semifinalist for the Broyles Award, which is presented to the best college football assistant coach, during the regular season.
Penn State and Franklin must now concentrate on Allen’s replacement. With a few possibilities currently on staff, such as co-defensive coordinator and safety coach Anthony Poindexter, they may promote from within. They could also seek beyond the confines of Penn State.
There will be plenty of options for whoever Penn State chooses to replace Allen.Abdul Carter is expected to be selected in the top five of the 2025 NFL draft. For a team that already has a wealth of young talent, defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton and defensive tackle Zane Durant’s announcement that they will be returning for the 2025 season is crucial.
Additionally, Penn State benefits from staff continuity. Penn State has retained its defensive position coaches, including defensive line coach Deion Barnes, cornerbacks coach Terry Smith, and Poindexter, despite losing Allen to the coaching carousel. The defensive coaching staff also includes analyst and former linebackers coach Dan Connor.
We will now have to wait and watch who Franklin chooses to replace Allen.
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Johnny McGonigal