Penn State names former Indiana head coach Tom Allen as next DC

University Park, PA (WJAC) — Penn State announced Tuesday that former Indiana University head coach Tom Allen has been named as the Nittany Lions next defensive coordinator.

“I have always had a ton of respect for Tom Allen, and we are excited to welcome him to our staff,” said head coach James Franklin. “I’ve enjoyed following his coaching career and his experience as a head coach and defensive play caller will bring tremendous value to our program. Coach Allen has led aggressive and attacking style defenses that will complement what we have already established. We are looking forward to welcoming Tom, his wife Tracy, son Thomas, and daughters Hannah and Brittney to Happy Valley.”

Allen will replace Manny Diaz, who left Penn State earlier this month to be the next head coach at Duke University.

“I am thrilled for this opportunity with Penn State Football and want to thank Coach Franklin and Dr. Kraft for believing in me,” said Allen. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Franklin and having been across the sidelines from him, I’ve seen what he is building here. To be trusted to join this storied program has me fired up, and I can’t wait to get to work alongside this coaching staff, these student-athletes and to immerse myself in the Happy Valley community.”

Allen has over 30 years of coaching experience, including the last seven years as the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers.

ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ6OlvLPA0minnqaeYsC1rdOeZqmdnqN6tMDArZxmppGisrR5xaippp2iYravsMiapZplmJqupXnCqJicoF2pvK55wKWjnqZdlsBuusSxq2ackw%3D%3D