Your Teams.
All Sources.

Build your feed

© 2025 BVM Sports. Best Version Media, LLC.

Top 5 Penn State defensive coordinator candidates for 2025
(Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

Top 5 Penn State defensive coordinator candidates for 2025

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (BVM) – The Penn State Nittany Lions are searching for their second defensive coordinator in as many years after Tom Allen recently agreed to become the next defensive coordinator of the Clemson Tigers.

Allen was hired to replace Manny Diaz, who left to become the head coach at Duke following two seasons in State College, following a seven-year head-coaching stint at Indiana.

Allen’s defense was tremendous throughout the 2024 campaign, ranking seventh in the country in yards allowed per game (294.7) and eighth in scoring defense, allowing just 16.5 points per contest. Standout edge rusher Abdul Carter led the way, earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors as the Nittany Lions reached the College Football Playoff semifinals.

With several key defensive pieces expected to remain in place in 2025, Penn State’s defensive coordinator opening could intrigue several candidates as James Franklin looks to get the Nittany Lions back to the College Football Playoff. Here’s a look at the top five defensive coordinator candidates for Penn State. 

Next

Top Leagues

No results found.