Tom Allen Focused on Accountability as Clemson Preps for 2025 Season

With fall camp rapidly approaching, new Clemson defensive coordinator Tom Allen met with local media Tuesday to share how he’s been implementing his philosophy within the Tiger program since his arrival in January. Allen, who spent last season at Penn State following seven seasons as head coach at Indiana, described his integration process as a multi-phase effort centered on building relationships, setting clear expectations, and emphasizing player development both on and off the field.

“I think the first phase is always the spring football piece,” Allen said. “You get here, you get to a new place, and you're trying to establish things.”

Allen explained that the spring allowed him and his staff to evaluate the roster, connect with players, and begin setting individual goals. He put special emphasis on meeting one-on-one with every defensive player following the spring game—something he views as critical for building trust and accountability.

“That was the major goal. Once you get to know them and get the chance to see them on the field in spring ball, you get to evaluate where they're at. Then you set goals for them in certain areas and have their individual position coaches do that as well,” Allen said.

As the Tigers transitioned into summer workouts, Allen shifted his focus from on-field tactics to the “mindset and daily habits” of his players—an approach rooted in the belief that summer is when true personal growth occurs. He said this period is vital because players are largely away from direct supervision by coaches and must take ownership of their development.

“So much of it is away from the coaches more than it is during the springtime or in fall camp. I really want to see who elevates themselves from a leadership perspective,” Allen explained. “It's about really developing your body, developing your mind, mastering the system, being able to put yourself in a position—as I tell them, my goal is to be in the best shape of your life when you come into training camp.”

Allen’s holistic approach includes what he describes as “physical, mental, [and] spiritual” preparation—a philosophy that aligns with Clemson’s broader program culture under Dabo Swinney. Throughout the summer, Allen and his staff have emphasized accountability, leaning on position coaches and strength staff to reinforce expectations.

“It never ends. So that's been the objective. We're just finishing that phase up right now. Got to rest this week and then into next week and finish up the summer. Then they get a few days away, and then we're into fall camp.”

Clemson is set to open fall camp in late July, with Allen’s revamped defense looking to maintain the program’s reputation for physicality and discipline while injecting new energy and leadership. The true test of Allen’s integration and summer development plan will come quickly, as the Tigers face a top-flight LSU offense to open the season at home in Death Valley.