Indiana University announced in December 2025 that coordinators Bryant Haines and Mike Shanahan would each receive contract extensions, cementing a staff that has helped the Hoosiers climb to new heights in recent seasons.
A Calculated Gamble
Haines, whose defensive unit has consistently ranked among the nation’s top five in yards allowed per game, was also honored with the 2025 Broyles Award, the premier recognition for assistant coaches in college football, marking Indiana’s first recipient of the accolade.
Shanahan’s offensive scheme has placed the Hoosiers in the top three nationally for points per game for two consecutive years, a testament to his ability to blend creativity with execution.
The extensions come at a time when the program’s assistants are increasingly courted by the NFL and by rival colleges, a trend illustrated by the departures of Al Golden and Garrett Riley, while the inability to replace departed leaders such as Kalen DeBoer and Kane Wommack effectively ended Tom Allen’s tenure as head coach.
Athletic director Scott Dolson and his staff have made retaining high‑performing assistants a priority, positioning Haines and Shanahan among the highest‑paid coordinators in the country and ensuring continuity that helped Chandler Whitmer flourish after Tino Sunseri’s brief exit for UCLA, a move that ultimately led to an 11‑2 season in 2024.
Looking ahead to the 2026 campaign, the dual presence of two top‑five coordinators suggests that Indiana is positioning itself not only for immediate success but also as a launchpad for future opportunities in college football or the professional ranks, a prospect that could attract offers the university may find difficult to refuse.