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Tom Allen doesn’t give timetable on naming OC at Indiana
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Indiana head coach Tom Allen isn’t in any rush to name a new offensive coordinator but would also like to get someone in place sooner rather than later.
Earlier this week, offensive coordinator Mike DeBord retired, leaving his position with the Hoosiers after two seasons. DeBord had pervious stints at major programs like Michigan and Tennessee, but the Indiana offense struggled the last few seasons.
Now, Allen is looking to find a new coordinator, but the IU head coach isn’t looking for just anyone to fill the spot. According to Zach Osterman of the Indianapolis Star, Allen wants someone that has “called plays” at the Division I level.
Allen didn’t provide a timetable in filling the vacancy, but did say he wants someone in place “as soon as possible.”
Indiana ranked in the bottom half of the B1G in scoring offense (26.4 points per game) and ninth in rushing offense (157.3 yards per game). The Hoosiers did own the conference’s third-best passing attack, averaging 257.8 yards per game.
Allen would like to improve Indiana’s rushing attack, especially with the amount of talent in the backfield. Freshman Stevie Scott rushed for 1,137 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2018 as the team’s primary ball-carrier. The Hoosiers also have 4-star running back Sampson James coming to Bloomington and Cole Gest — who rushed for 428 yards in 2017 — is returning from injury.
While the Hoosiers have been effective in the passing attack, Allen really wants to establish the ground game and build from there. One name that continues to pop up is IU graduate and former Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada, though there’s been no mention of any interest on either side.
There’s been no real mention of any potential candidates for the vacancy in Bloomington at this time.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB