The Penn State Nittany Lions had a stereotypical year in the Big Ten. While they were one of the best teams in the country, they couldn’t beat Ohio State or Michigan to get into the College Football Playoff conversation. After they lost their defensive coordinator, the program has zeroed in a new one. Former Indiana head coach Tom Allen is reportedly set to become the Nittany Lions’ new defensive coordinator.
Sources: Penn State is targeting former Indiana coach Tom Allen to be the school’s next defensive coordinator. Deal is being finalized and is expected to come together in the upcoming days.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 17, 2023
Penn State To Hire Tom Allen As Defensive Coordinator
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that the program has zeroed in on Allen and that while the details are being worked out, he is expected to sign a contract in the upcoming days. Allen has spent the last seven seasons as the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers but was fired this offseason after failing to continually improve the team. Allen brings 30 years of coaching experience to Penn State and should help James Franklin attempt to topple the top teams in the Big Ten.
A Great Hire That Could Pay Dividends
This is a great hire in my opinion for a couple of reasons. Allen knows the Big Ten. He has had to prepare for these teams before so there is a sense of familiarity. The experience that Allen brings as well will be extremely helpful. Penn State is feeling the pressure to do better in the conference next year. The past three years have been the same story. A promising season that gets derailed by losses against the top teams. They are looking to change the narrative.
Can the Nittany Lions compete in the new-look Big Ten in 2024? They have a lot of talent but have to execute when it matters most.
