:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68543187/1172621504.jpg.0.jpg)
For the first time in 33 years, the Big Ten’s best football coach can be found in Bloomington.
Tom Allen was named Big Ten Coach of the Year by league coaches and media members on Thursday, becoming only the second sideline boss in program history to receive the award. Bill Mallory was similarly honored by the conference in 1986 and 1987.
It’s been a good stinkin’ run for Allen and his group this year, as we all know. And while conference luminaries are saluting him for the Hoosiers’ on-field achievements, Allen has provided a long list of memorable moments off the field, too.
There was:
The stage dive that followed The Reach
We ❤️ you, coach! #LEO pic.twitter.com/nk3x7GUr6J
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) October 25, 2020
The bloody cheek
That tackle Tom Allen had on Devon Matthews... got a helmet to the cheekbone. Doesn’t think it’s broken. Says it hurts, but doesn’t matter. #iufb pic.twitter.com/roQPVBLmZq
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) November 7, 2020
The heartfelt embrace with his son, Thomas
Indiana head coach Tom Allen embraced his son, Thomas, before the LB was carted off with an injury. pic.twitter.com/JUXn8B25BH
— ESPN (@espn) November 14, 2020
The inspiring comments made before the trip to Columbus
Tom Allen has been known to wear his emotions on his sleeve, and this is no different. Here is video of today's quote on being "all in" at each coaching stop, his son, Thomas, and the OSU game. #iufb pic.twitter.com/233MMufBa0
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) November 16, 2020
The postgame mob in Madison
L.E.O.
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) December 6, 2020
Love Each Other is contagious with @IndianaFootball
This is exceptional ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4RmWxHB1q9
All of it adds up to what has to be one of the easiest calls in the history of Big Ten postseason voting.