Haines was a finalist for the Broyles Award (top assistant) in 2024 and a semifinalist for the award in 2023. During Allen’s one season in State College, Penn State, the Lions finished No. 7 in FBS in total defense (294.8), No. 8 in scoring defense (16.5) and No. 9 in rushing defense (101.9).

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.

Penn State football opened its biggest coaching position available on Monday. Tom Allen pulled the stunner by leaving his defensive coordinator post for Clemson. The now ex-DC jams from one College Football Playoff qualifier to join another.

James Franklin looks set to enter his third defensive coordinator search in four years. On Monday morning, it was reported that Tom Allen is nearing a deal to become Clemson’s defensive coordinator.

Sources: Clemson is working toward a deal to hire Penn State DC Tom Allen as the school’s new defensive coordinator. He’s the top target and a final decision is expected in the upcoming days. pic.twitter.com/8PLnibXD2j

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