DES MOINES, IOWA -- Tom Allen, who has served the past two years as defensive coordinator at Lambuth (Tenn.) University, has been named defensive coordinator at Drake University.

Allen succeeds Neal Neathery, who resigned at Drake after accepting a similar position at the University of Texas-San Antonio.

"I have known Coach Allen for nine years and we worked together during my last season at Wabash," said Drake head coach Chris Creighton. "Coach Allen is exactly what we were looking for in a defensive coordinator.  He is bright, intense, and  full of energy and enthusiasm.

"He has been successful throughout his impressive career, but most importantly he cares about his players and coaches for all of the right reasons.  We are fortunate to have him here with us at Drake."

Allen also served as linebackers coach at Lambuth.

Prior to Lambuth, Allen was special teams coordinator and defensive back coach at Wabash College and head coach at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, Ind., where he posted a 25-12 record in three seasons.

"Tom is one of the finest defensive coordinators I have ever been around," said Lambuth head coach Ron Dickerson. "We were really blessed to have him."
 
Allen was  a four-year starting linebacker at Maranatha Baptist Bible College where he earned a degree in administrative, business education in 1992.

He was a three-time all-conference selection and was co-captain as a sophomore, junior and senior. He was named the team's Player of the Year as a senior, while setting the career record for tackles at 456. He also earned Scholar All-American honors.

Tom Allen and his wife, Tracy, have three children, Hannah (13), Thomas (11), and Brittney (9).