Clemson football has officially announced Tom Allen as its next defensive coordinator, signaling a significant addition to the Tigers' coaching staff. Athletic Director Graham Neff made the announcement today, expressing confidence in Allen’s ability to elevate Clemson’s defense to new heights.
"I'm very pleased to bring forward the hire of Tom Allen as our defensive coordinator for Clemson football," Neff said. "Tom brings a wealth of experience — three decades of progressive coaching at every level of football. His success, including his most recent tenure at Penn State, speaks volumes about his ability to lead a defense that can compete at the highest level. We’re very eager to welcome him to the Clemson family."
Allen, who most recently served as Penn State's defensive coordinator and helped the Nittany Lions advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals, will begin his three-year term in January 2025. His contract includes an initial annual compensation of $1.9 million, escalating by $100,000 in each of the following two years, along with a signing bonus and performance incentives.
A Proven Defensive Innovator
Allen’s resume is a testament to his defensive acumen and leadership. During his 32-year coaching career, he has made an impact at every level of football, from high school to Power Five programs. He gained national attention during his time as Indiana’s head coach (2017-23), where he engineered dramatic improvements on defense and led the Hoosiers to their best season in decades in 2020.
That year, Indiana went 6-1 in Big Ten play and earned its highest final AP ranking (No. 12) since 1967. Allen was named the 2020 AFCA National Coach of the Year and was a finalist for several other prestigious coaching awards.
Prior to his head coaching role at Indiana, Allen made his mark as a defensive coordinator, including a transformative stint at South Florida in 2015. Under his guidance, the Bulls led the American Athletic Conference in scoring defense during league play and ranked among the top defenses nationally in tackles for loss and interceptions.
Defensive Excellence by the Numbers
Allen's ability to turn around struggling defenses has been a hallmark of his career. At Indiana, he took a defense that ranked near the bottom of the Power Five in multiple categories and transformed it into one of the nation’s most improved units. His teams consistently excelled in third-down defense, tackles for loss, and takeaways, attributes that align with Clemson’s defensive identity under head coach Dabo Swinney.
In his eight seasons with Indiana, Allen coached four defensive All-Americans and 35 All-Big Ten honorees, a testament to his ability to develop talent. His reputation for building disciplined and aggressive defenses will complement Clemson’s storied football tradition.
A Bright Future for Clemson Football
Allen’s hiring is a significant statement for Clemson as the Tigers look to reclaim their status as a perennial CFP contender. The addition of a coach with Allen’s credentials demonstrates Clemson’s commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
"We're thrilled to attract a coach of Tom Allen’s caliber," Neff added. "His ability to develop players, craft innovative defenses, and lead with integrity aligns perfectly with Clemson’s values. We’re confident that his leadership will position our defense to achieve great things in the years to come."