Hoosiers Fire Mallory, Fabris

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@sammyj108)

We all knew this day was coming.  Some thought it would be sooner than six weeks after the Hoosiers captured the Old Oaken Bucket.  Kevin Wilson announced this afternoon that defensive coordinator Doug Mallory, son of legendary coach Bill Mallory, and defensive line coach Jon Fabris would not return to coach in 2014.  Mallory had been the defensive coordinator since 2011 when Wilson took over the program.  The Hoosiers finished this season at 5-7, 3-5 in the Big Ten, but the Hoosiers were haunted by a historically bad defense.  The Indiana defense ranked 117th nationally allowing a whopping 38.7 points per game while giving up 527.9 yards per game (120th nationally).  Needless to say the defense needed a make over.  Wilson had this to say about both coaches in a statement released by Indiana Athletics.  “Doug and Jon are solid coaches and good men.  We appreciate everything they have done for IU Football and wish them both the very best moving forward.  We are excited about the future as we continue to build our program in a positive way.”  Former IU head man Bill Mallory was not too thrilled with Wilson’s decision to axe his son saying that he “never fired an assistant” in his time as Hoosier coach.

What This Means Going Forward

A change had to be made, but in order for the Hoosiers to have made the correct decision they have to hire the right replacement.  It looks as if Fred Glass will open the wallet and spend some money to land a top defensive assistant.  There is no clear candidate yet, but a decision should be made soon as the American Football Coaches Association has their convention next week in Indianapolis, an ideal opportunity to take to some of the top defensive minds in the country.  If the Hoosiers do not spend the money and ultimately cheap out on a replacement then this move is for naught and the vicious cycle of losing will go on.