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Clemson Hires Tom Allen as Defensive Coordinator on Three-Year, $1.9 Million Deal from Penn State

Jan 14, 2025, 08:52 PM

Clemson University has officially hired Tom Allen as its new defensive coordinator, following approval from the university's board of trustees. Allen, previously the defensive coordinator at Penn State, has signed a three-year deal starting at $1.9 million per year, with his salary increasing by $100,000 annually. Additionally, Clemson agreed to pay Allen a $900,000 signing bonus to cover his buyout from Penn State. The move comes after Clemson fired its former defensive coordinator, Wes Goodwin, due to a decline in defensive performance during the 2024 season. Allen's hiring is seen as a strategic move to bolster Clemson's defense, which struggled significantly against the run in the previous season. Allen expressed gratitude for the opportunity at Clemson and mentioned the importance of being closer to his family, particularly his two daughters who live in the Carolinas, as a key factor in his decision to move.