IU releases football coach Tom Allen
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) — Indiana University has released football coach Tom Allen from his position.
Indiana University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Scott Dolson made the announcement on Sunday that Allen will not be returning next season.
Dolson thanked Allen’s contributions to the team in a statement.
After continued evaluation of our entire football program, I have determined that we have lost momentum and that a change in leadership is necessary at this time. I want to thank Tom for all of the contributions he has made to IU in his seven years leading our program. His passion, character, and class made a positive impact on our student-athletes. We wish him well in his future endeavors.
Scott Dolson, IU Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Allen began coaching at IU in 2016 and received a seven-year contract extension in 2019.
He spent his first four seasons leading the Hoosiers up the Big Ten standings, a rise that culminated in back-to-back bowl games in 2020 and their highest ranking (No. 12) in the final AP Top 25 poll since finishing fourth in 1967. Indiana finished 6-2 in 2020, the pandemic-shortened season when stadiums were empty, and Allen was named Big Ten and AFCA national coach of the year.
Dolson says that the university and Allen agreed on a settlement of two $7.75 million installments that would be paid through athletics donor funds.
Allen went 33-49 in his only head coaching job, including 0-3 in bowl games after being promoted from defensive coordinator to Kevin Wilson’s replacement following the 2016 regular season.
He grew up in New Castle, Indiana, the son of a high school football coach, and started his own coaching career at the prep level in Florida and Indiana. He made college stops at Wabash, Lambuth, Drake, Arkansas State, Mississippi, and South Florida before returning to his home state.
The university says that a search for Allen’s successor will begin immediately.
The Associated Press’ Michael Marot contributed to this report.