Looking forward to 2014

I just finished my first semester as a high school teacher and coach.  Man, what a change from being a college head coach for the past 7 years.  I am teaching Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry.  Luckily I have a degree in Civil Engineering so the Math isn't very difficult to teach.  I am enjoying my time in South Florida and am looking forward to whatever the Lord brings us in 2014!

Florida

Our family was able to move to West Palm Beach Florida this summer!  My wife and I were both able to find employment at The King's Academy.  We are adjusting to the change and the kids really love South Florida.  Don't really know what's next for the Allen Family,.  All I really know is we need to enjoy our time together as a family. God is good!

New Beginnings

When my contract wasn't renewed at SBU, my initial concern wasn't for me or my family, it was for my assistant coaches.  Fortunately all 5 full time coaches are gainfully employed, 3 with new coordinator titles and 4 with pay raises. Coach Clardy was retained by the new SBU coach along with graduate assistants Steve Cole and Frank Halliburton.  Coach Coon and Coach Wilkerson were hired at Northwest Mississippi Community College, the premiere junior college in Mississippi.  Coach Powell and Williams were hired at Seton Hill.  Coach Sherman was hired at West Virginia State University.

I, however, am patiently waiting and working towards my next opportunity.

God is Good!

2013- A New Year and a New Start

Well, I start off 2013 unemployed.  One bright spot is that 2 of my 5 full time coaches have found new jobs and are in the process of moving right now, I am hoping the other three find jobs quickly.

The last 3 weeks have been a very long and trying time for me as I am having to prepare to sell my house and find a new job to help support my family.  Thankfully I have an awesome wife and a great family.  Melissa has been working her tail off to clean and declutter our house.  For the past 7 years she has worked very hard at her job in the Springfield Public school district.  She started out as a Biology teacher and has worked her way into an Assistant Principal.  Now she may have to start all over again if I can get another coaching job.

Please keep us and all of those looking for work to find whatever God is putting in front of them.

Continued Blessings and Success in 2013!

Changes at SBU

This time last week (December 10th), our Athletic Director informed me that the University was not going to renew my contract for the 2013 season.

When asked for a reason of the non-renewal, I was told "All you need to know is we are going in a different direction."  I was then told to vacate the premises in a timely manner.

I was obviously disappointed with the Athletic Director's decision, but am very proud of the accomplishments that our teams have made over the past 5 years.  There is no doubt in my mind we left the SBU Football program in a much better state than when we arrived.  We leave SBU with many firsts: 27 wins in a 5 year span, three straight winning seasons, the most wins by any coach, and what should excite the next coach a two game winning streak going into the 2013 season!

In our profession, you can be released "at will" for any reason the AD or President wants.  That is part of the business and I understand that and willingly signed my contract with that knowledge.  I am most disappointed   for my 5 full time assistant coaches.  They moved to Bolivar Missouri to share a vision we had to continue to change the culture of the SBU Football program, and now they must uproot their families.

Please pray for our coaching staff during this Holiday season, so they may find joy and work soon.

Bolivar has been my home for the past 7 and a half years.  And because of living in Bolivar, my wife has earned her Masters of Education Administration and will have her Specialists done this summer.  Because of living Bolivar, I have a 6 year old son and a 16 year old daughter that I would have never had.  Because of being at SBU I was able to call myself a Head College Football Coach for the past 6 seasons.  The Lord has decided my time at SBU is done, but I know I will be blessed wherever I am planted next.

Continued Success and Blessings-

Coach Allen

Coach's Blog

This is Coach Allen's blog