Jon Gruden Aug 18, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden watches from the sideline in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams during a preseason game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Hoosiers could make a shocking hire after firing longtime football coach Tom Allen.

“After continued evaluation of our entire football program, I have determined that we have lost momentum and that a change in leadership is necessary at this time,” Indiana Athletics Director Scott Dolson said Sunday.

“I want to thank Tom for all of the contributions he has made to IU in his seven years leading our program. His passion, character, and class made a positive impact on our student-athletes. We wish him well in his future endeavors,” Dolson said.

While Michigan offensive coordinator Sherron Moore and Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb are names expected at the top of such possible candidate lists, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic reported that former NFL Jon Gruden could also be in the mix.

Gruden last coached with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 but was fired after an NFL investigation uncovered emails from Gruden that used racist, misogynistic and homophobic language.

“The 60-year old Gruden does have some support with a few key people high up at the school, I’ve been told. Gruden has connections to the school, too; he visits Bloomington fairly often,” Feldman wrote.

There’s a long way to go before anything is official, but it would certainly cause controversy if the Hoosiers went through with the deal.

[The Athletic]