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Last updated on Friday, December 2, 2016
(BLOOMINGTON) - Citing “philosophical differences,” Indiana University athletic director Fred Glass announced Thursday that he accepted head football coach Kevin Wilson’s resignation, effective immediately.
Defensive coordinator Tom Allen was elevated as Wilson's permanent replacement, also effective immediately, with a six-year contract to be signed between Indiana and its new coach in the coming weeks. Players were informed of both decisions at a team meeting about 5:15 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Stadium.
Glass, who hired Wilson in December 2010 and agreed to a six-year, $15.3 million extension this past January, signaled there was no "smoking gun" or single event that led to Wilson's departure, nor was it based on the team's performance but cited "philosophical difference" says Wilson's approach to leading a football program was not conducive to a long-term future in Bloomington.
Glass would not say what those differences were, but did say that in early November he was made aware that issues he thought had been addressed in the past were "bubbling up" once again.
"I understand that the philosophical differences may be an unsatisfying meal full of empty calories, but I think from the institution's perspective, and the football team's perspective, and Kevin Wilson's perspective and our ability to move forward to have an agreed, mutual separation based on his resignation is highly desirable, and frankly I'm pleased to get that accomplished today."
The Indianapolis law firm Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP was hired to investigate the program. Glass declined to reveal the specific findings of the inquiry.
The Herald Times reported that Wilson was accused of mistreating players -- particularly those who were injured. But Glass say he was confident that the well-being of players was not compromised.
"I understand there's been a lot of back-and-forth with former players about those sorts of things in the Twitter-verse," Glass said. "I'll just tell you that we don't have any outstanding claims of medical issues. I have complete confidence that the medical care has been outstanding by our really terrific athletic training staff and medical staff.
Indiana will owe Wilson $542,000, his annual base salary, over the course of the next year.
Wilson, who guided Indiana to back-to-back bowl appearances, will leave Indiana with a 26-47 overall record.
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