The Clemson Tigers seem to have found a new defensive coordinator.
As per a report by ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel, Clemson is in negotiations to bring Penn State Nittany Lions defensive coordinator Tom Allen on board as their new defensive coordinator.
Thamel reports that Allen is the “primary target” and a decision should arrive shortly; however, the ongoing contract negotiations indicate that Allen’s arrival at Clemson is more about when it will happen rather than if.
Later reports by Matt Zenitz from CBS Sports announced that Allen has consented to take on the role of the next defensive coordinator for the Tigers, while also validating Thamel’s report indicating that both parties are in negotiations for an agreement.
Allen’s Nittany Lions ranked as one of the top defenses in the country in 2024.
Ranked No. 7 in total defense nationwide for the season, Penn State permitted an astonishing 10 opponents to score 14 points or less during their journey to the College Football Playoff semifinal. Allen’s unit excelled in run defense, conceding just under 100 yards per game on the ground, while also placing in the top 10 for total yards allowed per game and ranking No. 8 nationally in points allowed per game, averaging 16.5.
The red zone defense was exceptional for the Nittany Lions too. They recorded one of the lowest scoring averages against opponents in that region nationally and ranked in the top 10 for opponent yardage per play.
Clemson, conversely, ranked outside the top-50 in points permitted per game, at No. 69 nationally for total yardage allowed per game, and No. 61 for opponent yardage per play.
One of the most alarming features of the Tigers’ defense this season was their run defense, which was truly terrible under third-year defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin.
They were positioned at No. 84 in the nation, conceding more than 160 rushing yards per game, and No. 101 across the country with 4.7 yards allowed per rush.
It was clear that a change was necessary, and head coach Dabo Swinney seems to have sought out one of the top choices available nationwide.
Prior to joining Penn State for the 2024 season, Allen served as the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers for the last six years. He concluded his time at Indiana with a 33–49 record as head coach, yet played a key role in orchestrating one of the most unexpected defensive turnarounds in college football history.
In his inaugural season of 2016 under Allen’s guidance, he transformed a unit that was ranked No. 120 nationally in total defense, enabling them to permit almost 170 fewer total yards per game and 134.1 fewer passing yards.
Although his teams in Indiana didn’t secure enough victories to maintain his position, they consistently boasted resilient and gritty defenses, which is something Clemson must return to.
A program known for its top-notch defense was far from achieving that this season, but bringing in Allen will be a significant move towards restoring it.
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