NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion University Football has added John Allen as wide receivers coach, Bobby Wilder announced on Thursday.

“We are excited to welcome John Allen to the Old Dominion Football Family! Coach Allen has great experience as a head coach and wide receivers coach in NFL Europe and at Lock Haven University as well as time spent at Penn State. I am confident Coach Allen will get our wide receivers competing at a high level in 2018,” ODU Head Coach Bobby Wilder said.

Allen comes to ODU after spending three years as the offensive coordinator at Delaware State. In 2016, he helped lead the Hornets to their best offensive ranking in the MEAC in eight years.

“My family and I are extremely thankful to be joining the Monarch Family. Coach Wilder and staff have built an elite program here in Virginia, and I look forward with helping to continue that success,” Allen said.

Prior to joining Delaware State, Allen was the head coach at Division II Lock Haven (PA) for four seasons. He helped the Bald Eagles snap a 52-game losing streak, the longest in Division II, and in 2013 led LH to their most wins in a season in 10 years.

He spent four years as the player development coordinator at Penn State, and was in NFL Europe for four years, three as the offensive coordinator of the Amsterdam Admirals, and one as the head coach of the Berlin Thunder.

Allen began his coaching career at Lock Haven, working in various positions for eight years. He spent time coaching the wide receivers, quarterbacks and as offensive coordinator, and as the defensive backs coach, special teams and recruiting coordinator. He also spent one season coaching the wide receivers at Bucknell.

Allen was a three-year starter at wide receiver and team captain at James Madison, where he played from 1991-94.