Hoosiers fire offensive line coach after another poor game

Posted October 09, 2022 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Indiana quarterback Connor Bazelak (9) is assisted to his feet by teammates after being sacked during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler) The Associated Press

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) - Indiana coach Tom Allen made a rare midseason coaching change Sunday when he fired offensive line coach and run-game coordinator Darren Hiller.

The move comes one day after the Hoosiers (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) rushed for 29 yards and allowed seven sacks in a 31-10 loss to No. 4 Michigan.

Hiller was in his sixth season with Indiana and had survived a staff shakeup following last season's dismal 2-10 mark. Indiana opened this season with three straight come-from-behind wins but has now lost three in a row, largely because of an inconsistent offense and a leaky offensive line that has allowed a Big Ten-worst 19 sacks.

Former Indiana offensive lineman Rod Carey takes over both jobs for the rest of this season. He was hired in the offseason as a quality control coach after spending the previous nine seasons as a head coach, compiling a 64-50 record while earning seven bowl bids.

At Northern Illinois, Carey led the Huskies to four Mid-American Conference division titles, two league championships and the 2013 Orange Bowl. He played for Indiana's winningest all-time coach, the late Bill Mallory, from 1990-93.

'œRod is a tremendous football coach and leader of young men,'ť Allen said. 'œHis record as a head coach and offensive line coach speaks for itself. Rod will make an immediate impact and integrate well with our offensive staff.'ť

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Indiana head coach Tom Allen reacts toward a game official during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler) The Associated Press

Indiana quarterback Connor Bazelak (9) is hit by Michigan linebackers Braiden McGregor (17) and Taylor Upshaw (91) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Bloomington, Ind. Michigan was called for a roughing the passer penalty on the play. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler) The Associated Press

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