Former Indiana coach Tom Allen releases statement following Sunday firing

Following his firing on Sunday, former Indiana Hoosiers head coach Tom Allen released a statement about the decision.

Within the statement, which was obtained by Ross Dellenger, Allen says that coaching Indiana was an honor but that the school must embrace changes in college football. In particular, he was referencing NIL.

“It has been my greatest professional honor to serve as Indiana’s head football coach for the past seven years,” Tom Allen said. “Representing this University and this State has meant more to me than you can imagine. Our entire journey here has been based on a simple concept — Love. Each. Other.”

Statement from fired Indiana coach Tom Allen, which notes that IU should “embrace” the changing environment around college football (ie: NIL). pic.twitter.com/WPOJpan0Pi

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 26, 2023

“It’s what we’ve done, it’s what we’ll always do. I continue to believe it’s a recipe to change the world. There have been so many incredible memories made and relationships formed. I’ll always be grateful for the players, coaches, and staff who believed in our vision and gave their heart and soul to this program,” Allen said.

“College football has changed dramatically over the past several years. Some of those changes have been a shock to the conscience of those who support IU football. The time has come to fully embrace those changes and I pray that IU does just that.”

Tom Allen had a 33-49 record overall and an 18-43 record in Big Ten play in seven seasons at Indiana. He made two bowl games, losing them both, with one AP Top 25 finish in 2020. He also coached the 2016 Foster Farms Bowl for Indiana.

The two sides have agreed to pay a buyout of $15.5 million in the form of two $7.75 million installments. Tom Allen’s buyout was initially $20.8 million. However, it was negotiated down.

“To each and every player who put on the Crimson and Cream over the past 7 seasons, I love you, thank you and God bless. #LEO,” Allen concluded

Indiana announced Tom Allen’s firing

In his final game as Indiana’s head coach, Tom Allen lost to Purdue 35-31. With that, the Hoosiers fell to 3-9 on the season.

Indiana University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Scott Dolson made the decision to move on and announced the change on Sunday.

“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,” Dolson said in a press release.

“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.”