Reports: Indiana to Hire Tennessee Off. Coordinator Mike DeBord to Same Position

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

On Monday Indiana let go of offensive Kevin Johns, on Tuesday it was reported that the Hoosiers would hire Tennessee offensive coordinator Mike DeBord to the same position. It was first reported by Mark Bergin of WBIR.

DeBord, a Muncie, Ind. native, has experience in the NFL and with major college programs. With the Volunteers in 2016 his offense was ranked 24th nationally in scoring, 37th in rushing, 62nd in passing, and 40th in total offense. In 2016 Indiana's offense was 88th in scoring, 92nd in rushing, 28th in passing, and 56th in total offense. Where Indiana struggled the most was in the red zone where the Hoosiers ranked 126th out of 128th. DeBord's offense was ranked 33rd. 

According to advanced statistics Tennessee's offense ranked first in fourth quarter offense S&P, 12th in passing, and 32nd overall in offense heading into a bowl game where they put up 38 points on Nebraska. The style of offense may be different from what Hoosier fans have grown used to as his offense was only 87th in pace, 94th in plays per game, however they ranked 16th in possessions per game. That shows that his offense was efficient and came through with a lot of big plays.

DeBord had this to say to the media about his time at Tennessee during Music City Bowl press availability, "As I look back these last two years, I'm proud of what our coaches and our players have done offensively,” DeBord said. “Going back to two years ago when we were the second rushing team in the conference, then this past year what we did as far as being second in the conference in scoring, one of the best in the red zone, things like that. I'm really proud of what we've been able to accomplish.”

Official announcements from Indiana should be coming in the next couple of days, but this is a very good hire for Tom Allen and the IU program. This story will be updated as more details emerge.