The Coaching Journey of Tom Allen: From Happy Valley to Death Valley

The nomadic coaching career of former Armwood High and USF assistant Tom Allen reportedly is taking another surprising turn, from Happy Valley to Death Valley.

Allen’s Move to Clemson

Allen, who presided over one of the nation’s most stout defenses in his lone season at Penn State this past fall, is working on a deal to become the defensive coordinator at Clemson, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Monday morning. The Tigers gig would be the sixth collegiate coordinator job for Allen, who oversaw a unit that ranked in the top 35 nationally in both rushing and scoring defense in his lone season at USF in 2015.

Success at Penn State

Despite some early hiccups in Happy Valley last fall, Allen ultimately helped craft the Nittany Lions defense into one of the nation’s stingiest. Penn State, which fell to Notre Dame last week in the College Football Playoff semifinals, finished eighth nationally in scoring defense (16.5 points per game), ninth against the run (101.9 yards per game) and fourth in interceptions (20).

Clemson’s Need for Improvement

Clemson is seeking a replacement for Wes Goodwin, dismissed in early January after three seasons. Goodwin’s 2024 unit ranked 69th nationally in total defense (374.1 yards per game); its 160.6 rushing yards allowed per game was the program’s most since 2011. The Tigers were particularly exposed in a 38-24 first-round playoff loss to Texas, when they surrendered 292 rushing yards.

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Conclusion

Tom Allen’s move to Clemson as the new defensive coordinator marks another chapter in his successful coaching career, bringing his expertise to a program in need of improvement.

FAQs

Q: When did Tom Allen coach at Penn State?
A: Tom Allen coached at Penn State in the past fall season.

Q: Why is Clemson seeking a replacement for Wes Goodwin?
A: Wes Goodwin was dismissed after three seasons due to defensive performance issues.