Indiana University football coach Tom Allen, who spearheaded the Hoosiers to one of their most memorable seasons in the midst of an international pandemic, has negotiated new aspects of his contract, including a $1 million raise.

Under the deal announced Monday, Allen’s contract, which will run through 2027, will average $4.9 million a year.

IU finished 6-2 in a truncated season, gained national attention, ranked high in the national polls, and competed in the Outback Bowl, even as the COVID-19 pandemic periodically interrupted practice and play.

Allen has been rebuilding Indiana football since 2016. Overall his record is 24-22, but he is 14-7 since the beginning of the 2019 season.

The Hoosiers, who played in the Outback Bowl, though losing to Mississippi, finished 12th in the The Associated Press poll. A year earlier, IU played in the Gator Bowl, the first time in school history the team played in consecutive January bowl games.

Under the terms of the contract Allen signed in December of 2019, a year is added to his contract each time his team qualifies for a bowl game.

Allen was selected as the American Football Coaches Association’s National Coach of the Year for 2020. Allen was voted Big Ten Coach of the Year, too, by coaches and the media.

The announcement was made as the Hooisers gear up for spring football, starting today, and with the hope the dangerous and disruptive coronavirus will not be a factor in the approaching season.

While spring ball will start today, no determination on whether or not a spring game will be held yet, and whether or not fans will be allowed to attend.

“I’m appreciative,” Allen said of his enhanced arrangement. “I’m very,very grateful.”

Although did not permit spectators at home games last season, the Hoosiers created a popular stir with the fan base, students, and in the college football world.

IU made an impact by defeating several seldom-beaten Big Ten teams, including some nationally ranked at the time, such as Penn State and Wisconsin, while also toppling Michigan and Michigan State. This was the first time IU topped Michigan in 33 years and Wisconsin in 18. It was the first time the Hoosiers beat Michigan State in Lansing in 19 years.

“Tom Allen has proven to be not only the right person for out student-athletes and our program, but one of the best football coaches in the country,” said Scott Dolson, vice president an director of intercollegiate athletics for IU.

“The enthusiasm and outlook for our program is at an all-time high and the future of Indiana football is in great hands. I took forward to Tom leading our program for many years to come.”

Allen, who turns 51 next next, is from New Castle. He was previously making $3.9 million per year.

Allen said he has a great relationship with the IU administration and said it supports his goal and mission to make the football program special.

“It’s about being valued,” Allen said of being taken care of with the contract change. (The administration) values our football program” and he aims “do great things here.”