A coaching change at Indiana could greatly affect Ole Miss’ search for a new defensive coordinator.
Multiple reports surfaced Thursday afternoon claiming the Hoosiers have fired coach Kevin Wilson, and the school will hold a news conference at 6 p.m. to address the situation. Defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who has been strongly connected to the vacancy in Oxford, is expected to be named the interim and be a serious contender for the full-time job.
Hearing DC Tom Allen of New Castle to replace Kevin Wilson. Wouldn't be surprised if this is permanent, not interim. https://t.co/4yu6IYhsOQ
— Gregg Doyel (@GreggDoyelStar) December 1, 2016
Hearing Tom Allen is the next man up for #IUFB https://t.co/BmSFUl81Y1
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) December 1, 2016
I would expect DC Tom Allen to be named the interim HC at #Indiana.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 1, 2016
Several outlets have mentioned Allen as a leading candidate to replace retired Ole Miss defensive coordinator Dave Wommack. He has a long-running relationship with Rebels coach Hugh Freeze, having coached under him at Lambuth, Arkansas State and from 2012-2014 at Ole Miss.
Indiana’s defense has made great strides in just one year under Allen, who engineered a unit that finished the regular season 58th nationally in scoring defense (27.3 points per game). Allen has helped the Hoosiers become bowl-eligible in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1990-1991.
He’s a logical fit for Ole Miss, but Thursday’s surprise coaching change just might remove him from the picture.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
