James Franklin, Tom Allen release message to Penn State football fans

The Penn State football team officially announced the hire of former Indiana head coach Tom Allen as the next defensive coordinator. The news was reported on Sunday by Pete Thamel of ESPN that the deal would come in the next few days and today it became public. James Franklin has now hired a new offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator in a matter of weeks. It’s clear he is trying to build on relationships and people he can trust. But Franklin and Allen have now made official statements about the next move.

James Franklin welcomes Tom Allen to Penn State

It was an exciting day in the Penn State football world as a new defensive coordinator was officially announced. Tom Allen, the former Indiana head coach, is now wearing Blue and White, which is interesting to see.

He has already switched over his social media profile with his Penn State gear, and now we need to get used to Allen as a Nittany Lion.

Officially official. ✔️

Welcome to Happy Valley, @CoachAllenPSU!#WeAre | https://t.co/r5k9xDdeMK pic.twitter.com/JWNRDqJLEF

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) December 19, 2023

After the hire was made, James Franklin made an official statement. Franklin said, “I have always had a ton of respect for Tom Allen, and we are excited to welcome him to our staff,” said Franklin. “I’ve enjoyed following his coaching career, and his experience as a head coach and defensive playcaller will bring tremendous value to our program. Coach Allen has led aggressive and attacking-style defenses that will complement what we have already established. We are looking forward to welcoming Tom, his wife Tracy, son Thomas, and daughters Hannah and Brittney to Happy Valley.”

Tom Allen has message for Nittany Nation

In response to the hire, Tom Allen discussed his mindset when joining the Penn State community. Allen was in Beaver Stadium in October but as the head coach of Indiana. His defense always kept his Hoosier’s team in each game. They played with aggressive style and forced a lot of turnovers over his tenure.

“I am thrilled for this opportunity with Penn State Football and want to thank Coach Franklin and Dr. Kraft for believing in me,” said Allen. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Franklin, and having been across the sidelines from him, I’ve seen what he is building here. To be trusted to join this storied program has me fired up, and I can’t wait to get to work alongside this coaching staff, these student-athletes, and to immerse myself in the Happy Valley community.”

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