Well, Dabo Swinney has never been shy about cracking open the checkbook for his staff. He made Brent Venables college football’s first million-dollar coordinator, continually increasing compensation until Oklahoma successfully recruited him. After a two-year gamble on Venables’ protégé, Wes Goodwin fizzled out. Swinney this time got Tom Allen. But let’s be real: the Tigers didn’t just slide a fat check across the table and call it a day. Right? So what made them stand out?
While the $6 million deal was a factor, it wasn’t the only reason for Allen’s decision. Clemson provided him with an environment that aligned perfectly with his coaching philosophy. Beyond a job, the Tigers offered a culture centered on faith, family, and connection.
Discussing this on the Clemson Tigers podcast, Tom Allen mentioned, “Oh, there’s no question it was a major factor. I loved my time at Penn State. James Franklin gave me a great opportunity, loved the players and the coaches, and we had an amazing season. But then, this opportunity to have all three of our children close with us—doesn’t happen very often in this profession, and it was just too good of an opportunity to pass up.”
See, it’s culture, or the James Franklin team couldn’t match the amount. Either way, Swinney got his guy. Moreover, Tom Allen has dedicated years to pursuing his football aspirations, relocating his family across seven states within a decade. Throughout this time, his children transitioned between elementary, middle, and high schools as they followed him to new job opportunities.
Despite contemplating stepping away from college football to provide stability for his family, he persevered through the challenges to advance his career.
Finally, after years of hard work, he could get a chance to give back to them. Tom and his wife, Tracy, decided to move closer to their daughters, Hannah and Brittney. Hannah, currently residing in North Carolina, is expecting a child, while Brittney lives just 30 miles away from Clemson in Greenville.
This relocation comes after numerous missed opportunities over the years. And Allen saw a chance to be present. “This opportunity to have all three of our children close with us—doesn’t happen very often in this profession, and it was just too good of an opportunity to pass up,” he said. Now, how can a father miss out on a chance like that?
The family reunion doesn’t stop there. Allen’s son, Thomas, has joined Clemson’s staff as a linebackers coach. This follows his role as a defensive analyst at Penn State. Swinney sees this as a perfect match, and for Allen, it goes beyond football – it’s about prioritizing family.
Let’s be real: Tom Allen concluded his first season as Penn State’s defensive coordinator with a top-10 defense in scoring and total yards. He was also a semifinalist for the prestigious Broyles Award, which recognizes the nation’s top assistant coaches. While Allen has already proven himself, Clemson reached out just as he gained momentum at Penn State.
He is now dedicated to upholding Clemson’s defensive legacy, not just for the paycheck but to maintain the program’s high standards.
Tom Allen is turning Clemson’s faith
Well, Tom Allen wasted no time impacting Clemson’s defense as the new defensive coordinator. Embracing Dabo Swinney’s values of faith, family, and connection, he demonstrated his leadership through actions rather than words. From the beginning, Allen integrated prayer into every defensive staff meeting, setting a tone of unity and brotherhood.
Even Linebackers coach Ben Boulware has observed the positive changes in the defensive meeting room since Allen’s arrival, noting that prayer has become a consistent and meaningful part of their routine. Allen demonstrates his dedication to creating a strong team culture through genuine care for his staff. Not only does he lead the prayers, but he also encourages everyone to share specific prayer requests.
The defensive meeting room’s atmosphere has shifted because of a change in mindset. Former Clemson linebacker Boulware, recognized for his strong leadership qualities, has fully embraced Tom Allen’s approach. The discussions now go beyond strategies and tasks, including topics like life, faith, and creating a stronger bond than defense alone.
This aligns with the approach established by Swinney at Clemson, emphasizing a holistic view where faith and family are as important as success in the field. Now that Allen’s in charge of the defense, they’re not only sticking with the old plan but making it even better.
While his journey at Clemson is just beginning, one thing is evident – He remains focused on more than just football. He aims to establish something more profound.
The post Tom Allen Breaks Silence on Leaving James Franklin’s Penn State After $6M DC’s Faith Turns Clemson Culture appeared first on EssentiallySports.
