By Mark Pszonak
Head coach Dabo Swinney has been looking for Clemson’s next defensive coordinator since they parted ways with Wes Goodwin a little more than a week ago. Rumors recently began to swirl that the Tigers had turned their focus on one candidate. This morning that became a reality as the Tigers have found their replacement:
Sources: Clemson is working toward a deal to hire Penn State DC Tom Allen as the school’s new defensive coordinator. He’s the top target and a final decision is expected in the upcoming days. pic.twitter.com/8PLnibXD2j
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 13, 2025
Allen spent only one season in Happy Valley but is more known as being Indiana’s head coach from 2016 to 2023. His one season with Penn State produced some mixed results and concluded with a loss to Notre Dame in the National Semifinals.
Overall, the Penn State’s defensive unit was successful this season. They finished seventh nationally in points allowed, eighth in rushing defense and fourth in red-zone defense. But the lasting memory for Nittany Lion fans will be watching their defense falter when it mattered most against Notre Dame. That has led to a far from sorrowful initial response to this news from the Penn State faithful.
While the search for Clemson has concluded, it will now begin for Penn State, who will be looking for their third defensive coordinator in the last four seasons. However, finding an adequate replacement should not be much of a problem for head coach James Franklin, who has plenty to sell to candidates.
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And as usual, the coaching carousel continues to spin.
