Tom Allen is grieving the loss of his father, Tom Allen Sr., who passed away recently. The Clemson Tigers’ defensive coordinator and linebackers’ coach announced Allen Sr.’s passing in a message online.

“My Dad was recently called home to be with the Lord, where he now rests in the presence of Jesus,” he posted on X on June 10. “He made a lasting impact on so many lives as a devoted Father, Coach and Teacher. I am thankful for the many Amazing Memories and I look forward to seeing him again!!! Love you Dad!!”

Allen Sr. grew up in a farming community 20 miles east of Columbus. According to an article by the Daily Hoosiers, he fell in love with football after watching an IU vs. Purdue contest in the 1950s in Bloomington. Although he never played in high school, he joined Franklin College’s team.

Years later, he coached his sons at New Castle High School, laying the foundation for his son’s coaching career, both as a teacher and father. Allen Sr. made a huge impact on the health and wellness of Franklin College’s student-athletes.

He is credited with the efforts for the first weight training effort on Franklin’s campus in 1958. It was a humble attempt; the equipment was nothing more than “a bale of hay and some concrete blocks.”

That is a far cry from the top-notch facilities provided under his name to future generations to come. In 2021, Allen decided to honor his father’s efforts. 

Franklin College announced that Allen, then a coach at IU, had made a gift commitment to construct a weight room in honor of his father, a 1961 alumnus. It was reported to be housed in the Johnson Memorial Health Athletics Annex on campus. 

“This generous gift from Coach Allen provides a long-lasting legacy in honor of his father, and we are very grateful to him and the entire Allen family for their support,” the college said in a statement.

Allen has been deeply influenced by his father, who was his guiding light in his career.

Tom Allen’s Coaching Career So Far

By following in his father’s footsteps, Tom Allen took coaching as his job. He coached and served as the defensive coordinator at Ben Davis High School, then Marion High School. 

He earned his master’s degree from Indiana University in 2002 and spent over seven seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers as their head coach. He was the 2020 AFCA Coach of the Year for a 6-2 season. 

He was eventually fired after three consecutive losing seasons. 

Allen has over 33 years of experience across Division III, NAIA, FCS and FBS. He is in his second year with the Clemson Tigers. 

Our prayers remain with him and his family in this difficult time.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar