Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen is one of 15 semifinalists for the Broyles Awrd
Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen is one of 15 semifinalists for the Broyles Award. It goes annually to college football’s top assistant coach. The first-year member of head coach James Franklin’s staff was previously on a list of 60-plus nominees for the honor. It is unclear when the list of finalists will come out. The winner will attend a dinner on Feb. 13th, 2025, in Hot Springs, Ark.
Allen, who joined the Lions this offseason after being fired at Indiana to replace Manny Diaz, has been terrific. Entering conference championship Saturday, his unit ranks among the nation’s best in numerous statistical categories. Here’s a rundown:
Scoring Defense: 6th with 14 points allowed per game
Total Defense: 4th with 266.8 yards allowed per game
Rushing Defense: 7th with 97 yards allowed per game
Passing Defense: 7th with 169.8 yards allowed per game:
Penn State is also a top-30 defense when it comes to stopping opponents on third down. And, it is 27th in sacks with 32, 19th in tackles for loss with 85, and has 17 turnover this season.
“I think what happens sometimes is, I don’t care what profession you’re in, depending on who you follow plays a role in how you’re perceived,” Lions head coach James Franklin said two weeks ago. “He follows Manny Diaz. And, we had one of the top defenses in the country. Defensively we were ranked anywhere between 2, 3, or 4. So, unless you’re one, it doesn’t feel like you got a whole lot better.
More: Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter named Big Ten defensive player of the year, defensive lineman of the year
“We have one of the best defenses in the country. I think our defense is our highest rated unit. And, no one’s talking about it. I think he’s done a really good job of, he’s been a head coach for a long time, and getting back into the defensive coordinator role, and the staff and team has been great. Holding onto a lot of things we’ve been doing and then putting his own stamp on it. He probably had the toughest follow. Give him a ton of credit. Very different personality and approach. But, I think he’s doing a great job, and our whole defensive staff is.”
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Who else is up for the Broyles Award?
Former Penn State assistant Tim Banks, who is now the defensive coordinator at Tennessee, also made the cut. Four of 15 semifinalists are from the Big Ten. And, defensive coordinators outnumber offensive coordinators 11-4.
A Penn State coach has never won the Broyles. Diaz was twice a semifinalist for it. He is the only one to earn that honor in program history.
Here is the full list of semifinalists:
ARIZONA STATE – Marcus Arroyo, Offensive Coordinator
ARMY – Nate Woody, Defensive Coordinator
BOISE STATE – Dirk Koetter, Offensive Coordinator
COLORADO – Robert Livingston, Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
INDIANA – Bryant Haines, Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
MIAMI – Shannon Dawson, Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks
NOTRE DAME – Al Golden, Defensive Coordinator
OHIO STATE – Jim Knowles, Defensive Coordinator
OREGON – Tosh Lupoi, Defensive Coordinator
PENN STATE – Tom Allen, Defensive Coordinator
SMU – Scott Symons, Defensive Coordinator
SOUTH CAROLINA – Clayton White, Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers
TENNESSEE – Tim Banks, Defensive Coordinator
TEXAS – Pete Kwiatkowski, Defensive Coordinator and Outside Linebackers
VANDERBILT – Tim Beck, Offensive Coordinator
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