Indiana Defensive Coordinator Bryant Haines Wins Broyles Award Again

Haines returns to Broyles ceremony a year after accidentally revealing his family's biggest secret on stage.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A year after accidentally revealing that he and his wife were expecting their first child on stage at the Broyles Award ceremony, Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines returned and won the trophy as college football's top assistant. Despite the avalanche of accolades and Indiana's historic undefeated national championship season, Haines says the full significance of their accomplishment hasn't quite sunk in yet.

Why it matters

Haines' success highlights the remarkable turnaround of the Indiana football program, which went from being the losingest team in college football history to national champions in just one season. His Broyles Award wins also put him in elite company, as 19 of the 30 previous winners have gone on to become head coaches.

The details

At last year's Broyles Award ceremony, Haines accidentally revealed that he and his wife were expecting their first child. This year, he returned to the event and hoisted the 70-pound trophy, this time with his wife and their seven-month-old daughter by his side. Despite the historic season and accolades, Haines says the full significance of what Indiana accomplished hasn't quite sunk in yet, as he remains focused on preparing for the next season and improving the team's rush defense.

  • A year ago, Haines let his family's biggest secret slip while accepting his Broyles Award finalist nomination.
  • Last week, Haines returned to the Broyles ceremony and won the trophy as the nation's top assistant coach.

The players

Bryant Haines

The defensive coordinator for the Indiana Hoosiers, who led the team's historic undefeated national championship season in 2025.

Kira Haines

Bryant Haines' wife, who joined him on stage at the 2026 Broyles Award ceremony.

Frank Broyles

The namesake of the Broyles Award, which honors the top assistant coach in college football.

Curt Cignetti

The head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, who has coached alongside Haines since 2014.

Miami

The opponent that Indiana defeated in the 2025 national championship game, despite giving up significant rushing yards in the second half.

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What they’re saying

“This is such a big event with first-class people and I wanted to share my life with this group. I'll be associated with this event forever now. I'm always a part of this. I'll have my name associated with coach (Frank) Broyles and I can't think of a greater honor than that.”

— Bryant Haines, Indiana Defensive Coordinator (CBS Sports)

“[Grace] has been at every game, she's 16-0. Never tasted defeat.”

— Bryant Haines (CBS Sports)

What’s next

Haines plans to focus on improving Indiana's rush defense after the team gave up significant yards on the ground in the second half of the national championship game against Miami.

The takeaway

Haines' back-to-back Broyles Award wins cement his status as one of the top assistant coaches in college football, and his loyalty to Indiana and head coach Curt Cignetti suggests he may not be chasing a head coaching job anytime soon. His commitment to the X's and O's of the game, rather than the administrative duties of being a head coach, make him a valuable asset for the Hoosiers as they look to defend their national title.