Hoosiers: Kevin Wilson Resignation Revolves Around Player Treatment
By Kyle Nishida
Thursday, Indiana Hoosiers’ Athletic Director Fred Glass announced head coach Kevin Wilson resignation because of “philosophical differences” …
“Philosophical differences?” What on earth does that mean?
This term only leaves everyone cluelessly contemplating about what their disagreement was about. However, details are slowly trickling out that are providing a much clearer picture.
The “philosophical differences” Glass alluded to revolved around player health and treatment. Apparently, coach Wilson did not rushed players back from injury too quickly and did not always make the player’s health a top priority.
Former IU player Laray Smith tells the IDS that Wilson forced players to play through injuries #iufb
— Brody Miller (@BrodyAMiller) December 1, 2016
Former IU player suffered concussion in practice b4 '15 season. His father said son was rushed back to workouts & symptoms went "haywire"
— Mark Schlabach (@Mark_Schlabach) December 1, 2016
Additionally, former Hoosiers offensive lineman Bernard Taylor (2011-14) had strong comments against Wilson. He shred those thoughts with Bomani Jones on ESPN Radio.
"“Don’t get me wrong he’s a great coach and smart on the offensive side of things, but as far as the way he treated those cats, it was ridiculous. If you really want to go on a whole list, a whole tangent, things beyond injuries, it’s an entire list and I’ll be talking to you all day, man.”"
On the surface, Wilson seemed like a decent coach. He was 26-47 as the Hoosiers’ head coach, including a 6-6 record this year that will result in the Hoosiers’ second straight bowl appearance.
However, these allegations and accounts from former players will brutally stain Wilson’s reputation as a coach. Subsequently, Glass promoted defensive coordinator Tom Allen to the program’s permanent head coach.
It was clear Fred Glass’ decision was in direct response to Wilson’ poor treatment of players; even though Glass did not specifically say it.
"“Once Coach Wilson and I concluded to part ways, I turned to determining who the best person in the country would be to keep up our momentum and take us to another level with our football team. I quickly concluded that person was in our midst in Tom Allen. He is a leader of men. He is demanding without being demeaning. He is a proven, successful coach on a national scale with deep Indiana ties. He cares about his players, and they care back.”"
Overall, it is a good thing Indiana parted ways with Wilson when they did. They could have had a 2014 Tim Beckman-Illinois situation if Wilson did not resign.
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It is still disturbing that this sort of imporper player treatment went on behind-the-scenes. However, it is better to have resolved now than continuing to turn a blind eye to it and eventually getting caught.