As Franklin said before hiring Allen last year, Penn State's defense is not in rebuild mode. The program is about winning now, which the returns of Drew Allar, Nicholas Singleton, Kaytron Allen and offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki have foreshadowed. Franklin is chasing hardware next season, and the defensive coordinator hire will reflect that.

USC defensive coordinator and Penn State letterman D'Anton Lynn has signed a contract extension with the Trojans.

James Franklin must hire a new defensive coordinator for the third time in four years. Here are seven potential candidates

With last year’s hire, Tom Allen, off to lead the Clemson defense, let’s take a look at some of the candidates who could join Penn State for the 2025 season — with all five currently at Power-4 programs in college football.

Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen is leaving for Clemson. Here are potential candidates to replace him.

Tom Allen has been Penn State's defensive coordinator for one season, helping the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Penn State needs a new defensive coordinator for the third time in four years, as Tom Allen leaves for Clemson after one season with the Nittany Lions. Expect James Franklin and the Nittany Lions to evaluate external and internal candidates for the job.

Penn State has held 11 of its 15 opponents to 20 points or less, including CFP semifinalist Ohio State. The Lions have been aggressive with their blitzes and man-to-man pass coverage, similar to what Diaz did the previous two seasons before he left to become head coach at Duke.

Penn State’s defensive coordinator position remains open as of early Wednesday afternoon. James Franklin must replace Tom Allen, the former Indiana head coach who spent one season with the Nittany Lions before taking the Clemson defensive coordinator job earlier this week.