Tom Allen explains quick exit from Penn State football program

Penn State football starts the new year in need of a new defensive coordinator. On Tuesday, the Clemson Tigers officially hired Tom Allen as their defensive play-caller, confirming reports from earlier in the week regarding the former Indiana head coach’s hastened departure from Happy Valley.

James Franklin brought Allen into the Nittany Lions football program less than 13 months ago. After some early growing pains, Penn State still finished the year as a top-10 defensive unit in the red zone, in total yards allowed, and points scored.

So why is Allen not returning for a second year with the Penn State football program? According to the new Tigers defensive coordinator, it has more to do with the opportunity and less to do with the Nittany Lions.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity that Coach [Dabo] Swinney has given me to lead the defense,” Allen wrote in his hiring statement on Tuesday. “I have admired him from afar for years and look forward to working for him and with his defensive staff.

“I remain incredibly grateful for the opportunity James Franklin gave me to be part of Penn State football, a championship-caliber program in every respect that will continue to compete at the highest level. I wish PSU nothing but the best and loved my time there.”

© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

With over 30 years in the coaching profession, the Allen family has seen its fair share of moves. Prior to taking over the associate head coaching job at Indiana in 2016, Allen had never been at a college program for more than three years. Rather than forcing them into another new town, Allen says the move to Clemson, South Carolina, will help to bring his family closer.

“My family is very important to me and this move provides us the unique opportunity of living close to our daughters,” he said. Allen’s son, Thomas, will also be moving on from the Nittany Lions after spending one season as a defensive analyst. “Our children have made countless sacrifices throughout the years in the coaching profession, and this move brings us together.”

Allen will officially be introduced as Clemson’s defensive coordinator on Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, Franklin and Penn State football will begin the search for a third defensive coordinator in four seasons.

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