
Tom Allen, a seasoned football coach with a distinguished career spanning over three decades, has been appointed as the new defensive coordinator for Clemson University.his announcement was made by Clemson’s head coach, Dabo Swinney, on January 14, 2025.citeturn0search0
llen’s coaching journey began in the early 1990s at Temple Heights Christian School in Tampa, Florida, where he served as defensive coordinator.e then moved to Armwood High School in Florida, continuing his role as defensive coordinator.n 1997, he joined Marion High School in Indiana as defensive coordinator, and in 1998, he became the defensive coordinator at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, a position he held until 2003.llen was promoted to head coach at Ben Davis in 2004, leading the team for three seasons.citeturn0search1
ransitioning to collegiate football, Allen served as special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach at Wabash College in 2007.e then took on roles as assistant head coach, defensive coordinator, and linebackers coach at Lambuth University from 2008 to 2009, followed by a stint as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Drake University in 2010.n 2011, he became assistant head coach at Arkansas State University.llen’s tenure at Ole Miss from 2012 to 2014 saw him as special teams coordinator and linebackers coach.e then served as defensive coordinator at the University of South Florida in 2015.llen returned to Indiana University in 2016 as associate head coach and defensive coordinator.e was appointed head coach at Indiana in 2017, a position he held until 2023.n 2024, he served as defensive coordinator at Penn State University.citeturn0search10
hroughout his career, Allen has been recognized for his leadership and coaching excellence.n 2020, he was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year and received the AFCA Coach of the Year Award.citeturn0search10
t Clemson, Allen is expected to bring his extensive experience and defensive expertise to enhance the Tigers’ football program.is appointment follows the departure of former defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin, who was informed of his release by Coach Swinney on January 6, 2025.citeturn0news12
llen’s commitment to Clemson signifies a new chapter for the Tigers’ defense, with expectations high for improved performance in the upcoming seasons.
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