BLOOMINGTON – After seven seasons in command in Bloomington, football coach Tom Allen has been dismissed by IU, according to an IndyStar source.
Allen’s coaching stint at Indiana concluded with a 33-49 record, with an 18-43 performance in Big Ten play.
Following the impressive highs of 2019 and 2020, Allen’s final three seasons saw him finish 9-27 overall and 3-23 in the Big Ten, with no Power Five nonconference victories.
Despite a contract buyout exceeding $20 million, which was later negotiated to two $7.75 million payments funded by athletics donors, current athletic director Scott Dolson deemed a change of direction necessary. Dolson has already commenced the search for a new football coach — Indiana’s third in the past 13 years.
Insider: IU has poured resources into football. Search for Tom Allen’s successor will require more.
Allen’s tenure began under strained and unusual circumstances, as he was hired full time on the same day the Hoosiers parted ways with former coach Kevin Wilson. Allen’s elevation followed his significant contributions to the Hoosiers’ revival during Wilson’s tenure.
Then-AD Fred Glass elected to elevate Allen without a coaching search, acknowledging his role in rebuilding the roster through recruiting and development efforts.
Allen’s coaching prowess was evident, as he coached the Hoosiers through their first January bowl games in 12 years, solidifying winning seasons both on and off the field. The team’s buy-in to Allen’s “love each other” mantra gave the program agency beyond just wins and losses.
Allen’s tenure included a four-game win streak that secured IU’s first winning season in over a decade and a remarkable run in the COVID-impacted 2020 season.
The expectations that followed the 2020 season set the stage for a decline that ultimately led to Allen’s dismissal. A national ranking at the start resulted in a disappointing 2-10 season, leading to his departure.
Follow IndyStar reporter Zach Osterman on X at @ZachOsterman.
