Four Takeaways From Tom Allen's New Contract

Written by Andrew Walker

Last Friday, the Indiana Hoosiers football team retained their coach for years to come. Exciting times for the Hoosiers, no doubt. IU Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Fred Glass announced the contract extension of head coach Tom Allen.

Here are a few things to know about the deal that could propel Indiana Football to the next level.

1. IU is committed to Football

Tom Allen’s new contract is for seven years, with some special provisions in there. The commitment IU is showing for its football program is awe inspiring. Indiana’s interest in a great football program stems from the successful season this year, and all the effort that’s been leading to this moment. Glass had some encouraging words for the new contract, “I think it has been overlooked a little bit that it is really an important component of that contract, the evergreen provision, where any year that Tom's team qualifies for a Bowl Game another year is added. Which is also a commitment to the longevity and hopefully the security and hopefully avoids the question of coach, you don't have many years left because my expectation we won't get to that point.”

2. $3.9 million per year.

This is a huge sum of money that shows nothing but dedication and excitement for the football program. The direction Indiana Football is headed in reflects Tom Allen’s new compensation and I think it’s absolutely necessary. Compare that to some of the other Big Ten coach salaries, and you’ll see a common trend.

3. $27.3 million in total compensation if all goals and bonuses are met.

This again just speaks to the level of commitment in Tom Allen that IU has. It’s great for the football program and the university. This includes a provision which states the first three years of the contract are 100% guaranteed, followed by 50% guaranteed money for the last four years if he should need to be let go in those final four years.

4. It’s good for the program.

More of a personal take, but I’m allowed to do that, right? Sure. This commitment to the football program not only proves that this university values a good football team, but that it also values a deep cultural connection between student life and athletics. That’s important. “I want to start by saying just really very thankful, blessed, appreciate the opportunity that Fred and our administration has given me with our new contract. To me it is a testament to our whole staff and what all that they're doing and how hard everybody is working, just the direction we're going, and it gives us tremendous confidence in the backing that we have. And as we share with recruits, it is a critical time of the year for that and had many on campus this weekend, to be able to share the direction that we're going and the confidence knowing that I'll be here for many years to come and that gives parents a lot of peace in knowing that fact. Just really appreciate it.”