Tom Allen fired: Indiana fans react to the end of an era in Bloomington

Tom Allen has been fired at Indiana following the Hoosiers’ 35-31 loss to Purdue in Rivalry Week.

Allen, who has been at Indiana for the past 7 seasons, struggled across the past few years after some success in 2019 and 2020. The Hoosiers finished 2020 as a top 15 team after wins over Penn State and Michigan.

Partially because of this, Allen’s buyout sits at $20 million despite having won just 9 games across the past 3 seasons.

And despite Indiana’s recent struggles, the reaction to his firing on social media was largely one of sadness, but a feeling that this was the right move for the program. In other words, there’s zero ill-will towards Allen from those in Bloomington.

Some fans took to social media to comment on Allen’s firing Sunday morning. Here are some of the best reactions:

Among the awful things Indiana’s fanbase has endured, a guy like Tom Allen not working out here is somewhere near the top of the list.

Just stinks. No ill will for the guy.

— crimson quarry (@crimsonquarry) November 26, 2023

Tom Allen seemed like a good guy who cared a lot about IU. When it was rolling it was awesome. But 3 B1G wins in the last 3 years just wasn’t enough. Curious how the coaching search goes since they haven’t really done one in earnest in almost 13 years.

— ben (@VT_Ben) November 26, 2023

Many are calling Tom Allen “the Financial Wiz of the Midwest” after being paid a buyout of

*checks notes*

20 MILLION AMERICAN DOLLARS to NOT be the coach of Indiana football. pic.twitter.com/L1xW6fJa3K

— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) November 26, 2023

Hate to see Tom Allen go—IU football is better for having you here. Wishing you nothing but the best, coach. #LEO

— Ned Flanders (@hoosierchamps) November 26, 2023

Never want to hear someone lose their job. That said, a change needed to be made. I wish it would have worked out. He truly loved representing Indiana and our fans. Hoping nothing but the best for Coach Tom Allen moving forward #iufb https://t.co/sxprAkWJhd

— Jeremy H (@jthood76) November 26, 2023

It had to be done. Tom Allen is a great guy. Passionate about the program and created some of the best memories in #IUFB history during a short span.

Unfortunately it couldn’t be sustained and the ship wasn’t going to turn around. Hope Dolson takes this search seriously. https://t.co/gg86Rj7Vq6

— Zach Osip (@ZachOsip) November 26, 2023

Will never forget being drenched and watching Tom Allen do this as a freshmen. Hate that his tenure ended the way it did but it was time. https://t.co/gzwEI1x2xS

— Eric Drake (@ericdrake_) November 26, 2023

I take no joy in Tom Allen not working out. He’s such a good dude and leader that I wanted him to coach us forever. But sometimes reality gets in the way. I hope he lands on his feet, and soon, and thrives. Meanwhile, the search begins. Go get us That Dude, Scott Dolson. #iufb

— Derek Hutton, Anthony Richardson Endorser (@HuttHuttHike) November 26, 2023

I loved what Tom Allen stood for, but it was time.

Indiana has to get this football right. This is the most important hire the university will make sports wise. They don’t get this correct they’ll get left behind in the super conference age. They are running out of time. #iubb

— Real Chip Sanders (@ChipSanders10) November 26, 2023

Buyout was $20 million to part ways with Tom Allen.

Maybe Indiana does care about football.

Or maybe someone wrote a big check. https://t.co/HrR3RZNMwn

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) November 26, 2023

Ethan Stone

Ethan Stone was an editor for his student newspaper at the University of Tennessee and is now a News Manager for Saturday Tradition.