Johnny Allen has been fired after four seasons at Harding Academy, despite leading the Lions to four Division II playoff appearances.
“They wanted to go in a different direction with the football program,” Allen said. “To be a coach is not privilege but a great responsibility. I’m extremely grateful to Kevin Starks and Trent Williamson for trusting me four years ago with this responsibility and giving me the opportunity to be a part of a great community at Harding Academy.”
“Despite how it has ended, I am a blessed man for the deep relationships that have been formed with my players, students, parents, teachers and coaches; for this I’m a better man. My family and I thank the Harding community and we might not know what our future holds but we know who holds it.”
The Lions are coming off a 2-9 season as they were beat by ECS in the first round of the Division II-AA playoffs.
In his four seasons at Harding Academy, Allen posted a 20-24 record and led the Lions to the Division II-A playoffs in 2016 and DII-AA playoffs in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
The best season under Allen came in 2016 as the Lions as they finished 9-2 losing to Knox. Webb in the DII-A Quarterfinals.
Allen’s overall coaching record is 33-51 as he was the head coach at Rossville Christian for four seasons (2011-14).
He has also been the defensive coordinator at Briarcrest and Christian Brothers and an assistant coach at White Station.
Currently there are 13 schools looking for a head coach they are: Camden, Cheatham County, Clinton, Goodpasture, Harding Academy, Lincoln County, Loretto, Milan, Overton, Pigeon Forge, Red Boiling Springs, Siegel and Station Camp
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