IU football defensive coordinator Bryant Haines has been named 2025’s top assistant coach in the FBS by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).
Nationally, Indiana is No. 2 in scoring defense (10.8 ppg), No. 3 in rushing defense (77.6 ypg), No. 19 in passing defense (179.5 ypg), and No. 6 in total defense (257.2 ypg).
IU is No. 6 with 25 turnovers created in 2025, No. 2 with 112 tackles for loss, No. 4 with 39 sacks, No. 2 in opponent third down conversions (28.7%), and No. 1 in opponent red zone touchdown percentage (27.3%).
After a dominant 2024 campaign, Haines has elevated the performance of the Indiana defense in 2025 despite having to replace several starters from last season including linebacker Jailin Walker, defensive tackles James Carpenter and C.J. West, cornerback Jamier Johnson, safety Shawn Asbury, rover Terry Jones, and edge Lanell Carr.
Nine members of Haines’ 2025 defense earned some measure of All-Big Ten honors. That list includes three players who were reserves last year for Indiana who developed into stars in 2025 — linebackers Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones, and defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker.
With his salary and bonuses, Haines is one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in college football, something head coach Curt Cignetti has made certain of to ward of potential suitors.
Haines is also one of five finalists for the Broyles Award, which goes also goes to the nation’s top assistant coach.
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