New Sheriff in Town

Indiana University announced Kevin Wilson resigned his position as head football coach. Defensive coordinator Tom Allen was elevated to head coach on a permanent level. Players were informed of the decision at team meeting prior to the announcement.

Indiana athletic director Fred Glass met with Wilson in his office and accepted Wilson's resignation "based on the philosophical differences we have in terms of leadership of Indiana football program."

Allen who is popular within the program and the department but does not have a deep well of FBS coaching experience and no collegiate head-coaching experience. Wilson recruited Allen to IU from the University of South Florida in January to repair the Hoosiers' long-maligned defense. Allen, a former coach at Ben Davis High School, spearheaded a revival as defensive coordinator, as the Hoosiers led the nation this season in greatest year-over-year reduction in yards allowed per game. That cued a second-straight postseason appearance for the first time since 1990-91.

"I was raised a Hoosier," Allen said at the news conference. "It's hard to believe. This day has been an absolute whirlwind...

Wilson leaves Indiana after his second-consecutive 6-6 regular season, and the program's first back-to-back bowl appearances since 1990-91. Wilson had a 26-47 overall record at IU, and despite his recent success, he never concluded a campaign in Bloomington with a winning record.

"I have a vision to create a culture of accountability, toughness and love," Allen said. "I believe in positive, conviction-driven leadership. And the power of belief. "Our immediate goal is to prepare for the bowl game and keep our staff intact... We have a great staff of coaches... We're going to roll our sleeves up, pull together. "My goal for this program is to breakthrough in 2017. We're very close."

Notes taken from the © Indy Star online

Photos © Indiana University Athletics