"Literally a downgrade" "Wow": Fans divided at Dabo Swinney's choice for new defensive coordinator at Clemson

College football fans are divided by the Clemson Tigers' latest coaching hire. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Clemson is closing in on hiring Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen as the school’s new defensive coordinator.

Thamel says a decision is expected to be made in the coming days, but all signs point to Allen going to Clemson. It's a bit of a surprise that Allen is leaving Penn State for the same role.

"Wow. That’s huge for Clemson," another fan said.

However, some fans are unhappy with Clemson's hire, and for Allen's decision to leave Penn State.

"That’s literally a downgrade. Makes zero sense," one fan said.

"Clemson is a better job than Penn State?," another fan said.

College football fans are torn on whether this is a good hire for Clemson. Allen was Indiana's head coach from 2017 until 2023 and spent one season as Penn State's DC. As a head coach in college football, he went 33-49.

"He underperformed in the biggest moments in the biggest games this year with an all time talented defense. Cya," a fan said.

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Dabo Swinney fired Clemson's DC

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers were in need of a defensive coordinator after the coach fired Wes Goodwin on Jan. 6. Goodwin was the Tigers DC for three seasons, but Swinney decided the team needed a change.

“After meeting with Coach Goodwin on Sunday evening, I have decided to make a change at our defensive coordinator position," Swinney wrote in a statement, via the team website. "I want to thank Wes for his character, commitment, leadership and dedication as well as the relentless work ethic with which he approached his job every day. Wes has been a part of our program for 13 of the past 16 years, and he played an instrumental part in all of our success. I love Wes and his family and wish him all the best as he continues his journey. I know he has a bright future ahead."

Now, Clemson is expected to hire Allen to replace Goodwin as the team's DC in 2025.