Tom Allen Names Kane Wommack Hoosiers New Defensive Coordinator

Kane Wommack will be IU’s defensive coordinator in 2019 Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The writing was on the wall as Indiana head coach Tom Allen dropped many hints that he was thinking about giving up defensive coordinator duties so he can focus on being head coach. On Thursday morning those hints became fact as Tom Allen named Kane Wommack as the Hoosiers new defensive coordinator. Wommack came to IU in 2018 as the linebackers coach after serving as defensive coordinator at the University of South Alabama for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

Tom Allen said in a press release from Indiana University that, “Kane Wommack is ready for this opportunity," Allen said. "I have tremendous confidence in him and his understanding of our entire defense, from the front to the back. I will still be heavily involved, but Kane will take over the play-calling responsibilities, the organization of our defensive staff and all that we do on that side of the ball."

Wommack also runs a 4-2-5 base defense, which is the same base defense that Allen runs and makes this a natural fit. His South Alabama defenses were among of the most improved defenses in the country, Prior to his stint at South Alabama, Wommack served as the defensive coordinator at Eastern Illinois and was a graduate assistant with Ole Miss during Allen’s tenure in Oxford.

"I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead our defense alongside Mark Hagen, Brandon Shelby and Kasey Teegardin," Wommack said in the press release. "Working for a passionate leader in Coach Allen motivates our coaches and players daily to unlock their greatest individual potentials. Collectively our defense will function as a highly-efficient unit, emboldened to take on the challenges of the Big Ten. Our players are fierce and disciplined competitors, and I am honored and extremely psyched to be their defensive coordinator. My family and I appreciate Coach Allen and Fred Glass entrusting me with this tremendous opportunity."

The Hoosiers ranked 11th in the Big Ten in 2018 in scoring defense (29.9ppg), the lowest it has been in Allens three seasons guiding the defense. The Hoosiers open the 2019 season on August 31st against Ball State at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis