Clemson is working toward a deal to hire Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen as the school's new defensive coordinator, sources told ESPN.
Allen has emerged as Clemson's top target, and the sides expect a decision formalized in the upcoming days.
Allen, a former head coach at Indiana, thrived in his lone season as the defensive coordinator in State College. Penn State's scoring defense, total defense and rush defense all ranked in the top 10 this season.
He's a veteran defensive coordinator with a wide swath of coaching experience. He's also been the defensive coordinator at Indiana (before his promotion to head coach) and USF. He also served three seasons as an assistant coach at Ole Miss. He led Indiana to a pair of bowl games in his seven years as head coach.
Sources told ESPN that family geography loomed large in Allen's decision, as it would position the Allen family closer to their two daughters, who live in the Carolinas. Allen's son, Thomas Allen, would likely join the Clemson staff as well in some type of analyst role. He works at Penn State as a defensive analyst and analytics coordinator.
Tom Allen would replace Wes Goodwin, who was dismissed after three seasons. Clemson's defense got gashed against the run this season, which was epitomized in the College Football Playoff loss to Texas when the Tigers gave up 292 yards on the ground.
Allen has a reputation as an upbeat and positive leader, which would mesh well with the vibe Dabo Swinney has long maintained at Clemson.
The Tigers will return a strong roster next season, as tackle Peter Woods and end T.J. Parker are both considered high-end players with high draft ceilings. Wade Woodaz and Sammy Brown will be among the ACC's top linebackers next year and Avieon Terrell among the top defensive backs.
Clemson has also been more aggressive in the NCAA transfer portal than at any previous point under Swinney, including landing star edge rusher Will Heldt from Purdue.