Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University (SIU) volleyball head coach Ed Allen has announced his resignation after six seasons with the program. Allen, who ranks sixth nationally in wins among active Division I head coaches, has achieved 715 career victories. He joined SIU when the team was last in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) in 2018 and led them to consecutive winning seasons in 2022 and 2023.

In 2022, the Salukis improved their record to 18-13, marking a +12 win improvement—the largest in school history. The following year, they finished with a 20-12 record and secured their first appearance in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship postseason tournament since 2015.

"I'm grateful for my time in Carbondale and the opportunity to coach so many outstanding young women," Allen stated. "I especially appreciate the efforts of my staff with their help in turning this program around."

Allen's tenure at SIU concluded with an overall record of 69-106. Over his 34-year coaching career, he amassed a record of 715-390, achieving 30 winning seasons, nine conference championships, six NCAA Tournament appearances, and six conference coach-of-the-year honors.

"Ed is the definition of a winner and has led our volleyball program with integrity and class," said Tim Leonard, SIU Director of Athletics. "We wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

Before joining SIU, Allen coached at Alabama from 2011 to 2018. During his time there, he transformed a struggling Crimson Tide team into a postseason contender. In particular, Alabama won a school-record 26 matches in 2014 under his leadership.

Allen also had success at Tulsa from 2006 to 2010. He became the fastest coach to reach 100 wins for Tulsa's Golden Hurricane and won three Conference USA titles during his tenure.

The search for Allen's successor will be conducted nationwide by SIU's athletic department.