Indiana football has let go of offensive coordinator Walt Bell, according to an Indiana University Athletics release Sunday afternoon. Quality control coach Rod Carey will be assuming offensive coordinator responsibilities.
“I wish Walt and his family the best moving forward and thank him for his contributions to our program,” head coach Tom Allen said in the release.
[Related: COLUMN: Indiana football’s miserable loss vs. Maryland continues program’s downward spiral]
After roughly three seasons as head coach of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Allen hired Bell as Indiana’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in December of 2021. In 2022, the Hoosiers’ offense averaged just 23.3 points per game and finished second to last in the Big Ten in rushing.
Through five games in 2023, Indiana’s offense has continued to struggle. Bell’s play calling in the red zone and on short yardage downs was frequently called into question by fans. Against Maryland Saturday afternoon, Indiana managed just 17 points, marking the team’s third game this season being held under 20 points.
[Related: INSTANT RECAP: Indiana football suffers 44-17 blowout loss to Maryland]
Carey, who took over as quality control coach prior to last season, served as head coach at Northern Illinois University for six seasons, posting a 52-30 record from 2012-2018. In 2019, Carey was named the head coach at Temple University, where he went 12-20 over three seasons.
Carey recently took over offensive line duties midway through 2022 after former offensive line coach Darren Hiller was let go. Now, with no interim label on the position, Carey will take over offensive coordinator responsibilities for the foreseeable future.
“I felt we needed a new direction on the offensive side of the ball,” Allen said. “Rod brings a wealth of experience and success along with a familiarity with our personnel.”
