Clemson Hires Tom Allen as Defensive Coordinator After Penn State Success

Allen, known for leading a top-10 defense at Penn State, replaces Wes Goodwin following Clemson's defensive struggles.

Tom Allen, Penn State's defensive coordinator in 2024, has been officially hired by Clemson to lead its defense under head coach Dabo Swinney.
Allen's Penn State defense ranked seventh in total defense and eighth in scoring defense, helping the team reach the College Football Playoff semifinals last season.
He replaces Wes Goodwin, who was dismissed after Clemson's defense struggled significantly against the run in the 2024 season, including a poor showing in the CFP loss to Texas.
Allen's three-year contract with Clemson starts at $1.9 million annually, increasing to $2.1 million by the 2027-28 season.
The move also brings Allen closer to family in the Carolinas, with his son, Thomas Allen, expected to join Clemson's staff in an analyst role.