New Coaches, Different Approach for Defense

By Pete DiPrimio
IUHoosiers.com

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Change has come to Indiana's defense.

We knew that with the hiring of Chad Wilt as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, and Paul Randolph as defensive line coach.

Then head coach Tom Allen threw a twist, announcing it during a Sunday press conference:

He will resume calling the defensive plays, as he did for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

"It's something we're going to do a little bit different," he says, "Chad and I have talked through it. He'll be organizing our staff.

"Just the things I've learned the last few years to help us function that way at a high level."

Change was certain after Indiana went from 6-2 in 2020 to 2-10 last season. That included a significant defensive drop off.

Allen, who was considered one of the nation's top defensive coordinators when he took over the program in 2016, will take a more hands-on approach by calling the defensive plays.

"You have to follow your gut on what you feel is best for what your team needs," he says. "I've missed that part of it. I feel that's one of my strengths as a coach, and why I'm in this position (as head coach)."

Allen gave up defensive play calling (but not having a big role in the defense) to handle all the head coaching responsibilities. He says he's learned and grown in that role to the point where he can resume calling them.

"My goal was to find a person who could be my right-hand man. That's what I want to get with Chad.

"He will be that go-to guy for organizational purposes and during the game. To have the adjustments, to have his expertise, to grow him through our system."

The Hoosiers went from 17 interceptions and 20 total takeaways in 2019 to just five interceptions and nine takeaways last year.

They have to do better, Allen said.

"We will do everything we have to do make sure the takeaways go back up."

That could include playing more zone and less man to man, so defensive players are better able to see plays unfold.

"Playing with more vision gives you more opportunity to do that," Allen says. "Play fast and physical and train for that disruption.

"Make sure we put them in the best position to create takeaways. We have to have that. That's priority No. 1."

As defensive coordinator, Wilt will coach to attack. That's no surprise given Allen has built his career on attacking defenses.

"We want to attack," Wilt says. "This is not a bend-don't-break group. We want to get people off schedule. You're always a better defense on third-and-8 than third-and-2.

"We will be aggressive, but we want our kids to feel comfortable and confident in the system, a confidence and a belief in their fundamentals and technique. We want them to know what to do and how to do it.

"You think players first and plays second. Match that with how do we attack the opponent. You need effort, passion, and physicality. Great defenses do those things very well. That's what we're going to build here."

Wilt brings 21 years of coaching experience, all with the defensive line. He also has the advantage of being a coach's son. His father, Steve, earned Hall of Fame honors while coaching Taylor University in northeastern Indiana.

The younger Wilt coached the defensive line at Minnesota the last two years. Other stops include Cincinnati, Army, Maryland, and Ball State. He was a two-time NAIA All-America defensive end for his father at Taylor.

Wilt has never been a defensive coordinator before and hasn't coached linebackers.

He says he's ready for the challenge.

"Good coaches are just coaches, they are teachers, motivators, instructors. I'm always learning to become the best coach I can be.

"A great challenge is a great opportunity. I want to be a lifelong learner. This is my 22nd year as a learner, another opportunity to embrace the challenge and become a better coach."

Wilt's philosophy, which reflects a deep historical understanding of where the term coach comes from (think France and Hungary 600 years ago), starts with "transporting players from where they are to where they want to go."

Then there's the relationship factor.

"It's players first, plays second," Wilt says. "It's about motivating and developing. Coaching is teaching.

"Everybody is different. You take the time to get to know them. What will motivate and challenge them?

"Do I do that loudly? Sometimes. I won't say I'm passive. It's about connecting with them. You get to know them. My father taught me, it's never about the person. It's about the action. You can coach the action negatively. You don't coach the person negatively. You praise them."

Randolph has coached collegiately for 24 years, 21 with the defensive line. He's coached in 17 bowl games, and spent the last three seasons coaching the defensive line at Texas Tech.

He also coached at Memphis, Pitt, Arizona State, and Alabama.

"It's about developing young men, capturing their hearts and minds," he says. That's what I'm about. I will coach them with everything I have. Help them accomplish their goals and dreams."

What does Randolph want in a defensive lineman?

"You want big, fast, and physical," he says. "You want that mindset, that work ethic and the physical tools.

"I like length, size and the ability to whip the guy across from you."

Allen adds "It's a simple game."

Randolph says his approach starts with, "Serving the young."

"That's not just my position, but the whole team. Being an example of what we ask them to be.

"You've got to spend time to develop relationships and trust. Once they know I have their hearts, then I will have theirs."

Indiana University Athletics

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