In the wake of moving on from former defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin, Swinney hired former Indiana head coach and Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen to the same role. Allen is largely overqualified for this role,

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers are reportedly hiring a longtime college football head coach after winning the ACC. Clemson returned to the top of the conference in 2024, beating SMU in the ACC title game and making a College Football Playoff appearance.

With the latest move by Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers football program seems to signal a change in philosophy.

According to multiple reports, Swinney and the Tigers are adding former East Carolina head coach Mike Houston to the coaching staff. A veteran head coach is making his way to Clemson in a role expected to work with Clemson's new defensive coordinator from Penn State, Tom Allen.

Clemson has a new defensive coordinator this season, replacing Wes Goodwin with former Penn State DC and Indiana head coach Tom Allen. The Tigers did not replace any other defensive position coaches, but Allen’s son has also joined as an analyst.

Houston saw success as the head coach at ECU, The Citadel, Lenoir-Rhyne, and won a national title at James Madison.

Former ECU Head Football Coach Mike Houston now knows where he will be coaching next year. Houston is headed South to The Palmetto State to join the staff at Clemson University under Dabo Swinney. He will be a defensive assistant coach with the Tigers.