NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
James Franklin looks set to enter his third defensive coordinator search in four years. On Monday morning, it was reported that Tom Allen is nearing a deal to become Clemson’s defensive coordinator.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to break the news, reporting that “a final decision is expected in the upcoming days.”247Sports’ Matt Zenitz added that Allen has accepted the job, and the sides are working through some final details.
The deal comes just days after Penn State lost to Notre Dame 27-24 in the College Football Playoff. Franklin and Penn State hired Allen last December to replace Manny Diaz, who had taken the Duke head coaching job. Diaz replaced Brent Pry, who took the top job at Virginia Tech in 2021.
Allen had big expectations of replacing Diaz, and although he brought a different style, the results were similar. Allen led the Nittany Lions to the seventh-ranked defense nationally in yards allowed per game (294.7) and eight points allowed per game (16.5).
Penn State is now in the market for a new defensive play-caller after Franklin likely hired Allen, hoping for more than just a season with the 54-year-old coach. Continuity with his coaching staff is one of Franklin’s priorities, so look for the next hire to be made with an eye for the future, not just next year.
Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads, and Instagram.
Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X, Facebook, and Threads.
Story originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/report-penn-state-dc-tom-235453789.html
Author : Nittany Lions Wire
Publish date : 2025-01-13 23:54:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
