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

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