Bryant Haines, Indiana’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, was named a finalist Wednesday for the Broyles Award, given annually to the nation’s top assistant coach.

Haines is one of 5 finalists, with the others being Arizona State offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo, Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden, Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks and Texas defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Pete Kwiatkowski.

Haines transformed Indiana’s defense into a ferocious unit in 2024. The Hoosiers under Haines rank No. 1 nationally in fewest rushing yards allowed per game (70.8) and No. 2 nationally in fewest total yards allowed per game (244.8). The Hoosiers are also 1 of only 2 teams in the nation, with Big Ten rival Ohio State being the other, to allow less than 3,000 total yards this season.

Haines was a Broyles Award semifinalist last season at James Madison, where he followed Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti from and led a prolific Dukes defense in 2023.

Haines did the same thing in 2024 in Bloomington. Under Haines this fall, Indiana went from the No. 98 scoring defense and No. 85 total defense nationally in 2023 to 1 of the nation’s elite defenses in 2024. And Haines accomplished all this despite just 3 starters returning from the Hoosiers’ defense from last season.

The Hoosiers will continue their magical 2024 season on Dec. 20 when they face Notre Dame in a first-round College Football Playoff game in South Bend. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.