“I thought there might be more ‘good guy’ in him, and more integrity than to leave…,” Former Nittany Lions player LaVar Arrington had said after Tom Allen decided to leave Penn State after just one season. But he was also one of many critics who just couldn’t figure out why the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach would abandon a program that was headed toward glory. Despite a 13-3 record, a Big Ten Championship game berth, and a locker room culture that strived despite adversities—thanks to Allen’s and James Franklin’s influence—to say nobody was prepared for the bombshell would be an understatement. However, Allen’s decision came down to one very important aspect…

You see, Allen’s wife, Tracy, has always been what people describe as a devoted wife, and mother—and who the coach himself describes as a “superstar”. Ever since the couple got married, life had always been full of adventures, and never knowing where the next day or the next year was going to take them. It was actually fun for a while. However, their family slowly grew. The couple welcomed two daughters, a son, and also a habit of stashing away cartons, because they never knew when they would need to relocate again. To put it more simply, in 33 years of Allen’s coaching career, the family had to move 13 times.

In just ten years between 2006 and 2016, the family had to go in and out of seven different states. The children had to go to multiple elementary schools, multiple middle schools, multiple high schools. “And that’s tough,” Tom had confessed once. At 54, the veteran coach could’ve simply retired, too, after being fired from Indiana after the 2023 season, with a massive $15.5 million buyout—the largest in college football history. But, “I don’t sit still very well. I don’t rest very well,” Allen had said, to which his wife surely would’ve scrunched her nose. Yet, as he took up Penn State’s offer, and had to move AGAIN, Tracy helped in every way she could. But at some point you also need to give back at least half of what you get, isnt it? Seems like Allen finally came to that realization…

In mid-January this year, the veteran agreed to a three-year, $6 million deal with the Clemson Tigers, despite helping push Penn State’s defense to rank eighth in scoring, seventh in total defense, 31st in pass defense and ninth in run defense during the last season. As head-scratching as the decision seemed, the newly-appointed defensive coordinator dived deeper into exactly why he took a leap of faith. Discussing this on the 2 Right Turns: A Clemson Football podcast, the host asked, “Family is a big buzzword around Clemson. We talk a lot about the Clemson family and you were coming from a great program with a lot of success, but family…sounds like…a big reason that you are here. Why has Clemson been the right fit for you, and how much did your family factor into that decision?”

To this, Allen mentioned, “Oh, there’s no question about it. It was a major factor. I loved my time at Penn State. James Franklin gave me a great opportunity. Love the players, the coaches, and we had an amazing season. But then, this opportunity to be able to have all three of our children close with us doesn’t happen very often in this profession. It was just too good of an opportunity to pass up. Here, my son was able to be a part of the staff as well. He’s going to be an assistant linebackers coach, and he played for us in Indiana. He also has a son and our first grandchild. And he’s a year old now. So have both grandkids close by…that’s great for my wife.” 

Notably, the couple’s daughters, Hannah, who just gave birth to her second child, lives in North Carolina, and Brittney lives in South Carolina, just 30 miles away from Clemson in Greenville. However, the family reunion doesn’t stop there. Allen’s son, Thomas, has joined Clemson’s staff as an analyst. 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.

“Obviously, it’s a commitment here by coach [Dabo] Sweeney, to be able to have the families a part of everything that we do, and that’s that’s tough in our profession to be able to do that,” the veteran further said. Having said that, 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.

And now, he is 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.