Who are the defensive coordinators for Indiana and Miami in the championship game?

Bryant Haines is the defensive coordinator for Indiana, and Corey Hetherman is the defensive coordinator for Miami.

What is the relationship between Indiana and Miami's defensive coordinators?

Bryant Haines and Corey Hetherman are close friends who have collaborated and even shared personal milestones, like Haines attending Hetherman's wedding.

Why are Indiana and Miami's defenses considered elite?

Both teams rank in the top nationally for scoring defense and takeaways, demonstrating their formidable defensive prowess throughout the season.

Home / Sports / Coaches' Clash: Friends on Opposite Sidelines

Coaches' Clash: Friends on Opposite Sidelines

18 Jan

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Summary

Indiana and Miami coordinators are close friends facing off.
Both teams boast top-ranked scoring defenses this season.
Defensive coordinators are finalists for the Broyles Award.

Coaches' Clash: Friends on Opposite Sidelines

The College Football Playoff national championship game features a unique storyline as Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines and Miami defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, close friends who have shared ideas and even wedding invitations, will be on opposing sides. Their teams, Indiana (15-0) and Miami (13-2), have reached the title game largely due to their dominant defenses.

Both Haines and Hetherman are finalists for the Broyles Award, recognizing the nation's top assistant coach. Indiana leads the nation in scoring defense (11.1 points per game), while Miami is fifth (14.0 points per game). The Hoosiers have forced 28 takeaways, and the Hurricanes have 25, placing both teams in the top 10 nationally in that category.

Despite their close personal relationship, both coaches are focused on competition and blocking out distractions. Hetherman previously worked under Indiana's head coach Curt Cignetti at James Madison, highlighting a shared history. This championship clash underscores the impact of strong defensive leadership on college football's biggest stage.