John Abner Penton (February 10, 1870 – October 17, 1919) and American football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at the Clemson University for one season in 1898, compiling a record of 3–1. Penton attended the University of Virginia and Auburn University. He played football as a guard at Auburn in 1897. He was captain of the 1894 and 1895 Virginia teams.