Indiana DC Bryant Haines wins 30th Annual Broyles Award

Haines led a historic defensive turnaround for the national champion Hoosiers

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Bryant Haines, the defensive coordinator for the Indiana University Hoosiers, has been named the winner of the 30th Annual Broyles Award, honoring the nation's top assistant college football coach. Haines led a dominant defense that anchored Indiana's perfect 16-0 season and first-ever national championship.

Why it matters

The Broyles Award is one of the most prestigious honors in college football, recognizing the top assistant coach in the country. Haines' win marks the first time an Indiana assistant has received the award, highlighting the program's remarkable turnaround under head coach Curt Cignetti.

The details

Haines, 40, orchestrated one of the most dominant defensive performances in modern college football history. His 'attacking' philosophy helped the Hoosiers finish the 2025 season ranked at the top of nearly every major statistical category, including scoring defense, total defense, tackles for loss, sacks, and turnover margin.

  • Bryant Haines was named the winner of the 30th Annual Broyles Award on February 16, 2026.

The players

Bryant Haines

The 40-year-old defensive coordinator for the Indiana University Hoosiers, who led the team's historic defensive turnaround and first-ever national championship.

Curt Cignetti

The head coach of the Indiana University Hoosiers, who has coached alongside Bryant Haines for over a decade across multiple programs.

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What they’re saying

“This award is so much bigger than me. To hold this trophy and bring it back to Bloomington means the world. I'm so proud of the way these players competed for each other.”

— Bryant Haines, Defensive Coordinator

What’s next

Haines recently signed a new three-year contract extension worth approximately $3.1 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid coordinators in college football. Despite significant interest from other programs, he has opted to remain in Bloomington alongside head coach Curt Cignetti.

The takeaway

Bryant Haines' Broyles Award win is a testament to the remarkable turnaround of the Indiana football program under head coach Curt Cignetti. By leading one of the most dominant defenses in the country, Haines has cemented his status as one of the top assistant coaches in the sport and helped bring the Hoosiers their first-ever national championship.