The deal is done. Tom Allen, who served as Penn State’s defensive coordinator this past season after the departure of Manny Diaz, has officially been hired to serve in the role at Clemson. Allen’s contract is a three-year deal that starts at $1.9 million per year ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on Tuesday.
Allen made $1.5 million in his lone year with the Nittany Lions and would’ve made $1.6 million next season, had he stuck around, Jon Sauber of the Centre Daily Times reported last December. Indiana fired Allen last year after seven seasons as the program’s head coach. The Hoosiers paid him a $15.5 million buyout.
It does not appear money was at the root of Allen’s decision to step away from Penn State. Thamel reported on Monday morning, shortly after the news broke of Allen’s expected departure from the Nittany Lions, that his two daughters live in the Carolinas. From the statement Clemson released on Tuesday, family is likely one of the main factors in Allen’s move.
“My family is very important to me and this move provides us the unique opportunity of living close to our daughters,” Allen said in the news release. “Our children have made countless sacrifices throughout the years in the coaching profession and this move brings us together.”
Penn State’s defense flourished with Allen leading the way this past season. The Nittany Lions finished No. 7 nationally in total defense, No. 8 in scoring defense, No. 2 in tackles for loss and No. 5 in sacks. Allen’s unit, led in part by All-American defensive end Abdul Carter, was at the core of one of the most successful teams of James Franklin’s head coaching tenure.
Allen joins Dabo Swinney’s staff just days after Penn State’s season came to a close in a 27-24 Orange Bowl loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal. The Nittany Lions have not yet announced a successor for their defensive coordinator post, a job which helped Diaz and Brent Pry land ACC head coaching gigs prior to Allen’s arrival.
“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,” Allen said. “I wish PSU nothing but the best and loved my time there.”
