In a year that has been full of historic moments for the Hoosiers, defensive coordinator Bryant Haines added yet another one. Haines was crowned the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Broyles Award on Thursday, given annually to the nation’s top assistant coach in college football. This honor caps one of the most remarkable coaching seasons in recent memory and cements Haines’ place among the elite strategists in the game.
The Broyles Award — named for legendary Arkansas coach Frank Broyles — honors the top assistant coach in Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) each year. In December 2025, Haines was announced as one of the five Award finalists, joining the likes of Corey Hetherman, Mike Bobo, Shiel Wood, and Matt Patricia. His inclusion was a major achievement in itself, reflecting national recognition of his scheme, leadership, and impact on the game. But on the night of the ceremony, Haines went one step further — walking away with the trophy and the distinction of being the nation’s best assistant coach.
Haines’ journey to Broyles Award winner is a story of transformation — both for his own career and for the Hoosiers’ defense. After taking over as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Indiana ahead of the 2024 season, Haines quickly turned the Indiana linebacking corps into the strength of the defense. Under his leadership, Indiana’s defense vaulted into the national spotlight with performance metrics rivaling historic programs, helping the Hoosiers reach the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.
The 2025 campaign was Haines’ signature season. Indiana finished with one of the nation’s stingiest defenses, ranking near the top in scoring defense, rushing defense, total defense, and more on their way to a 16-0 national championship. At times, Haines’ unit appeared nearly impenetrable, holding elite offenses in check and delivering eye-opening performances on the biggest stages. It was Haines’ defense that had a game-sealing interception against Miami to win Indiana’s first-ever national championship.
The Broyles Award isn’t the only national honor on Haines’ résumé this year. In 2025 he was also named FBS Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).
With the Broyles Award now in hand, Haines’ stock among coaching circles is higher than ever. Haines signed a 3-year $3 million contract extension in December, and the Hoosiers will look to hold onto him for as long as they can.