Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines speaks during media day ahead of the College Football Playoff national championship game between Miami and Indiana, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Miami. The game will be played on Monday. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
February 13, 2026 - 5:27 AM
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) — Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines has been honored with the Broyles Award, given to the nation's top assistant coach.
Haines, who was a finalist last year, was awarded in a ceremony on Thursday night. He helped Indiana win the national title by leading a unit that ranked second nationally in scoring defense and fourth in total defense.
The other finalists were Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, Miami defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and Texas Tech defensive coordinator Shiel Wood. The five finalists were selected from 64 nominees representing approximately 1,500 assistant coaches.
It was the 30th year the award has been given out. It was created in 1996 to recognize former Arkansas coach Frank Broyles’ history of developing successful assistant coaches.
The selection committee is made up of Hall of Fame coaches, members of the Football Writers Association of America and broadcasters. For the first time, fans had a single collective vote.
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