Why Penn State and Tom Allen are a great fit

Headshot 5x7 reduced qualityby:Thomas Frank Carr•12/18/23•

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Tom Allen Penn State Football On3
Sep 30, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Tom Allen (L) and Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin (R) shake hands prior to the game at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State football is reportedly about to sign former Indiana head coach Tom Allen as its next defensive coordinator. This marks the second time that head coach James Franklin has signed a former defensive-minded head coach after he was fired at the end of the season. Allen comes to Penn State after eight seasons at Indiana. Franklin is familiar with Allen, having faced him for many years, which means we do as well. Here are some of the significant themes from Allen’s defensive style over the years.