Bryant Haines

Bryant Haines serves as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Indiana Hoosiers football program. A former collegiate linebacker, Haines was a four-year starter and All-Mid-American Conference selection at Ball State, where he was named to the Dick Butkus Award Watch List for the nation's top linebacker as a senior. After injuries ended his NFL aspirations, Haines transitioned into coaching, progressing from graduate assistant roles to coordinating at the Power Four level in college football.

Haines' coaching journey included early challenges, such as relying on food stamps and financial support from his parents while working as an assistant coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Despite considering leaving the profession, Haines persisted and built his reputation through positions at Manchester College, Adrian College, Indiana, Ohio State, IUP, UC Davis, and Elon before joining head coach Curt Cignetti at James Madison University. During his tenure at James Madison, the Dukes consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally in total defense at both the FCS and FBS levels.

Following Cignetti to Indiana, Haines maintained his defensive coordinator role. His defensive units at Indiana led the nation in rushing defense, finished No. 2 in total defense, and ranked No. 10 in passing yards allowed. Haines' defensive philosophy emphasizes creating pressure at the line of scrimmage through sacks, quarterback pressures, and tackles for loss, resulting in top-10 defensive rankings in three of four seasons. Cignetti has described Haines as a "mad scientist" for his creative defensive schemes involving stunts, twists, and pressure packages.

Haines contributed to Indiana's 16-0 season and first national championship, with the defense playing a central role in victories over Ohio State, Oregon, Alabama, and Miami in consecutive playoff games. During the championship run, Indiana's defense ranked second nationally in rushing defense, scoring defense, and total defense. Haines received the Broyles Award and the AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year award, two of college football's highest honors for assistant coaches. Having worked alongside Cignetti in all but one season since their time at Division II IUP, Haines has been part of a combined record of 108-28 across multiple programs. He signed a three-year contract with Indiana, establishing himself as one of the most sought-after defensive coordinators in college football and a potential candidate for future head coaching positions.