A Clean Slate Comes with Humbleness and Maturity for Tom Allen and His Program

Written by: @zachegreene

During Monday’s press conference it was easy to tell that the program has a clean slate and a completely different feel than last year.  Tom Allen as a coach has learned and matured.

“To me, it’s all about trying to create an environment where you can make a difference in these kids lives. “I wouldn’t be doing this just to win football games. I want our kids to develop and become better while they're in the program. You watch other people. You learn. You grow.” Allen explained. “I wouldn’t spend all these hours just to win a football game. I always cared about the relationships with our guys. I’m trying to develop these kids to become the people they are meant to be.”

This week is the game week for the Hoosiers as they take on the Illini and I think deep down he knows that this is where the program needs to be and is continuing to stick with his message from the beginning. Love Each Other.

Everyone has written off the Hoosiers and believes that are in for another long season. Just last week, The Athletic predicted the Hoosiers to have another 2-10 season.

It’s easy for people to discredit Allen and his program but the message still is clear and prominent. Love Each Other while continuing to develop and build young men into winners on the field and off the field. 

Allen is calling on 3+ year players to be the leaders of the program and each man in the program has grown and developed. Whether that’s Tiawan Mullen, AJ Barner, or Mattew Bedford. These players know what it takes to win at the highest level and this season he is holding people more accountable.

“Excited for this program. A great opportunity. A long fall camp. Longer than normal. Guys have been busting their tails and doing a tremendous job of buying in. Excited for them to take the field in front of our fans on September 2nd.” Allen said.

Allen isn’t perfect and neither are his players. He is taking last season as a learning lesson and taking what he’s learned and becoming a better coach. Overall, he seems a lot more humble and grateful. He ended the press conference by saying this about opening Big Ten play to start the season.

 “We are at home and I am grateful.”