The Clemson Tigers shook the college football world this week with the announcement of their new defensive coordinator being hired from one of the best units in the country. Clemson made things official on Tuesday with former Indiana Hoosiers head coach and Penn State Nittany Lions defensive architect Tom Allen to take over the Tigers defense and replace the fired Wes Goodwin.

CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson has hired Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen for the same role with the Tigers, a move that was finalized by the school’s Board of Trustees Compensation Committee.

Haines was a finalist for the Broyles Award (top assistant) in 2024 and a semifinalist for the award in 2023. During Allen’s one season in State College, Penn State, the Lions finished No. 7 in FBS in total defense (294.8), No. 8 in scoring defense (16.5) and No. 9 in rushing defense (101.9).