Penn State is set to start a search for its third defensive coordinator in four seasons. Tom Allen, who was hired to the role last offseason after seven years as Indiana’s head coach, has agreed to become Clemson’s defensive coordinator, per CBS Sports and 247 Sports reporter Matt Zenitz.
A deal is reportedly expected to be finalized “in the next day or so,” Zenitz wrote.
Allen was brought in after Manny Diaz, who had excelled as the team’s defensive coordinator for the previous two seasons, left to become Duke’s head coach. Allen upheld a similar defensive scheme to Diaz, and the Nittany Lions prospered, ranking No. 8 nationally in team defense.
It was, however, a year of adjustment for Allen. In the spring, James Franklin told Allen to limit the blowing of his whistle during practice. After a narrow 34-27 win over Bowling Green, Allen moved to the coaches’ box and handed helmet-communication duties to defensive analyst Dan Connor. Then, as the season progressed, Connor primarily took over coaching linebackers.
If a deal gets done between Allen and the Tigers, it’s unlikely it’s because of money. The Hooisers paid Allen a $15.5 million buyout when he was relieved of his duties last in November.
Penn State’s defensive coordinator job is one of the most prized assistant coaching gigs in college football. Prior to Allen, the two coaches who held it, Diaz and Brent Pry, became ACC head coaches. With that said, the Nittany Lions, who are freshly off to the College Football Playoff semifinal, should be an intriguing destination for any hot defensive mind.
Anthony Poindexter, the team’s safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator, is obviously an early name to watch, particularly because he’s interviewed for the position before. But Poindexter isn’t likely to be the only name that pops up in the coming days and weeks.
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