Clemson hires Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen to lead Dabo Swinney’s defense

CLEMSON, SC — Clemson has hired Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen for the same role with the Tigers, as finalized by the school’s Board of Trustees’ Compensation Committee.

Allen has more than three decades of coaching experience, most recently helping the Nittany Lions to a school-record 13 wins and an appearance in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Allen replaces Wes Goodwin, who took a snap after the Tigers struggled against the run.

Penn State was seventh in the nation in total defense (294.8 yards per game) and eighth in scoring defense (16.5 points per game) this season. The Nittany Lions were second in the nation in tackles for loss (119) and fifth in sacks (44).

“We have a great football coach — and a great leader of men — coming to Clemson,” Sweeney said in a news release. “He brings a lot of experience and comes highly recommended by some of the best people in the business. He’s obviously coming off a great year as defensive coordinator at Penn State, and we are excited to welcome him as our defensive coordinator here at Clemson.”

Allen was also the linebackers coach at Penn State. His defense returned two interceptions for touchdowns in Penn State’s 38-10 win against SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

The Nittany Lions also held Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty to a season-low 3.47 yards per carry and no touchdowns in a 31-14 victory in the CFP quarterfinals.