Breaking: Former Indiana Head Coach Tom Allen Talks on leaving Penn State for Clemson
Penn State defensive coordinator and former Indiana head coach Tom Allen is reportedly set to leave the Nittany Lions program for the same role at Clemson. ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel shared the news on Monday morning.“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 coming days,” Thamel reported. According to Thamel, Allen’s decision is largely influenced by a desire to live closer to his daughters, who both reside in the Carolinas.
Allen was dismissed as Indiana’s head coach in 2023 after seven seasons, during which he compiled a 33-49 record. His departure paved the way for Indiana to hire Curt Cignetti as head coach. Allen subsequently joined James Franklin’s staff at Penn State, where the Nittany Lions reached the College Football Playoff in 2024 but narrowly lost to Notre Dame in a 27-24 thriller at the Orange Bowl.
Under Allen’s leadership, Penn State’s defense excelled, ranking eighth nationally in points allowed per game (16.5) and reaching the CFP semifinals. The defense also placed seventh in total yards allowed per game (295 ypg) and ninth in rushing yards allowed per game (101 ypg). Edge rusher Abdul Carter, a standout on the unit, is projected as a top-five pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Allen’s coaching journey includes stints at Arkansas State as assistant head coach (2011), three years at Ole Miss coaching linebackers and special teams (2012-2014), and a season as defensive coordinator at USF in 2015. With Allen’s departure, Penn State will now be searching for their third defensive coordinator in four years. Let’s hope head coach James Franklin doesn’t set his sights on Indiana’s current DC, Bryan Haines.