It might seem odd to see a defensive coordinator for a team that reached the College Football Playoff semifinals to take a new job.

Clemson has hired Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen for the same role with the Tigers, a move that was finalized Tuesday by the school's Board of Trustees Compensation Committee. Allen has more than than three decades of coaching experience,

Allen replaced Manny Diaz as Penn State's defensive coordinator after Diaz became the head coach at Duke. PSU’s defense was one of the best in college football in 2024 and allowed as many yards per play overall as Clemson did per rushing attempt. Opposing offenses averaged just 3.1 yards a carry against the Nittany Lions.