Tom Allen, Penn State’s defensive coordinator and former head coach at Indiana, is reportedly set to leave the Nittany Lions program. According to ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel, Allen is expected to take the defensive coordinator role at Clemson. Thamel reported on Monday that Clemson is working on finalizing the hire, with a decision anticipated soon.
Allen’s move is believed to be influenced by his desire to be closer to his daughters, who live in the Carolinas. After a seven-year tenure as Indiana’s head coach, where he posted a 33-49 record, Allen was let go in 2023. His departure allowed the Hoosiers to hire Curt Cignetti as their new head coach. Allen subsequently joined Penn State’s staff, helping the team reach the College Football Playoff in 2024, although they were recently defeated by Notre Dame in a thrilling 27-24 Orange Bowl loss.
Under Allen, Penn State’s defense was one of the nation’s best, ranking eighth in points allowed (16.5 per game) and seventh in total yards allowed (295 per game). Their rushing defense was also top-notch, finishing ninth in yards allowed per game (101). Defensive standout Abdul Carter is expected to be a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Allen’s coaching career also includes stints at Arkansas State (2011), Ole Miss (2012-2014), and South Florida (2015). With Allen’s departure, Penn State is now searching for its third defensive coordinator in four years, and it remains to be seen if they will pursue Indiana’s current defensive coordinator, Bryan Haines.
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