Former Indiana coach happy school has 'chosen to invest in football'
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Former Indiana football coach Tom Allen told reporters on Wednesday that’s he’s texted with a “bunch” of his former players in the wake of their historic success.
The No. 1 Hoosiers (13-0) just won their first Big Ten title since 1967 and head into the CFP as the top overall seed.
“Just so happy for the players,” Allen said in a press conference previewing the Pinstripe Bowl. “Bunch of those guys are playing for them, one was the Big Ten Player of the Year on the offensive line, the kicker is doing extremely well, the receivers, bunch of linemen, DBs, one of their linebackers, just really, really happy for those guys.”
Indiana starting left tackle Carter Smith, who was named the league’s top offensive lineman, was part of a 2022 recruiting class Allen signed that produced five starters for this year’s team. The group includes wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., linebacker Isaiah Jones, right guard Bray Lynch and safety Louis Moore.
Allen was fired after the 2023 season with a 33-49 overall record (18-43 in the Big Ten) and two bowl appearances in seven seasons. The university paid him out a negotiated buyout down of $15.5 million.
He also noted how IU’s administration has “chosen to invest in football” for coach Curt Cignetti in a way that he said didn’t happen during his tenure.
“That’s something they know they needed to do, said that when I left, they had not done that in the past to the level was necessary,” Allen said. “It’s been awesome to see them recognize that and to see them be rewarded for that.”
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Former Indiana coach happy school has ‘chosen to invest in football’
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