Penn State football has officially hired Tom Allen as the team’s new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, the university announced Tuesday. Allen, who replaces now-Duke head coach Manny Diaz, was first reported as James Franklin’s pick for the position Sunday by ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

“I am thrilled for this opportunity with Penn State Football and want to thank Coach Franklin and Dr. Kraft for believing in me,” Allen said in a release Tuesday. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Franklin and having been across the sidelines from him, I’ve seen what he is building here. To be trusted to join this storied program has me fired up, and I can’t wait to get to work alongside this coaching staff, these student-athletes and to immerse myself in the Happy Valley community.”

Allen was previously the head coach at Indiana. He coached the Hoosiers from 2016 until his firing on November 26, recording a 33-49-0 record with three bowl game appearances, all of which he lost. In 2020, the Hoosiers reached No. 7 in the AP Top-25 Poll after starting the season 4-0, a stretch that included wins over Penn State and Michigan.

“I have always had a ton of respect for Tom Allen, and we are excited to welcome him to our staff,” Franklin said in a release Tuesday. “I’ve enjoyed following his coaching career and his experience as a head coach and defensive play caller will bring tremendous value to our program. Coach Allen has led aggressive and attacking style defenses that will complement what we have already established. We are looking forward to welcoming Tom, his wife Tracy, son Thomas, and daughters Hannah and Brittney to Happy Valley.”

Allen was the defensive coordinator for one season before taking over as head coach. He improved the Hoosiers immediately, as Indiana gave up 37.6 points per game in 2016, but just 27.2 points per game the following season. The Hoosiers also improved in total defense, giving up around 380 yards per game in 2016 after allowing 509 yards per game the season prior.

Allen is James Franklin’s second coordinator hired after he replaced fired offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich with Andy Kotelnicki. Additionally, Allen is Franklin’s fourth defensive coordinator, joining Manny Diaz, Brent Pry, and Bob Shoop. He replaces Diaz, who was hired to be Duke’s next head coach earlier this month.

Allen likely won’t coach in the upcoming Peach Bowl, as Penn State’s defense is being led on an interim basis by safeties coach Anthony Poindexter and analyst Robb Smith.