When the Indiana University football team storms onto the field for the Rose Bowl showdown against Alabama, all eyes will be on the man they call “Shanny.” Mike Shanahan, Indiana’s offensive coordinator and receivers coach, is more than just a tactician on the sideline—he’s the architect behind one of the most explosive offenses in college football and a mentor who’s helped transform the Hoosiers into a juggernaut with a 13-0 record entering 2026.
But how did Shanahan, a former University of Pittsburgh standout receiver and once-aspiring high school coach, become the mastermind of a top-seeded playoff powerhouse? It’s a story that stretches back nearly two decades and weaves through locker rooms, late-night film sessions, and the relentless grind of college football’s coaching carousel.
Shanahan’s journey began at Pitt, where he finished among the most productive receivers in program history, recruited by Dave Wannstedt through the recommendation of Tony Wise. “A physical education major, Shanahan planned to teach and coach in high school after his career ended,” reported USA Today. Yet, fate—and a knack for football intelligence—had other plans.
After a brief stint as a graduate assistant at Pitt, Shanahan joined Curt Cignetti at Indiana University Pennsylvania. Their bond, forged in Western Pennsylvania football culture, would shape the trajectory of both men’s careers. “There wasn’t a doubt in my mind I would come with him if he asked and gave me the opportunity,” Shanahan said of following Cignetti to Indiana. “I saw IU was in a lot of close games the year prior to us being here even though the record wasn’t great. They were very competitive. That was a positive.”
Shanahan’s coaching odyssey included stops at Elon and James Madison, where he steadily climbed the ranks from receivers coach to recruiting coordinator to offensive coordinator. When Cignetti landed the Indiana job, Shanahan was his first call. The decision paid off in spades.
Since arriving in Bloomington, Shanahan has been the creative force behind an offense that leads the Big Ten in scoring (41.9 points per game), total offense (472.8 yards), and rushing (221.2 yards) as of December 31, 2025. The Hoosiers have scored 55 or more points six times this season, and 41 or more points eight times last year—a testament to both scheme and execution.
Key to this offensive revolution has been the play of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a transfer from the University of California. Mendoza has completed a staggering 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards, with 33 touchdowns against just six interceptions. His ability to execute Shanahan’s balanced, run-pass-option system has made Indiana’s attack nearly unstoppable.
“I can’t remember when we had the same quarterback starter back to back,” Shanahan admitted. “Since I became offensive coordinator with Coach Cignetti, we’ve had a new quarterback every year.” Yet, the machine keeps humming. Shanahan credits the offensive line’s experience and versatility: “We’re very fortunate to have seven good players up front, a lot of experience, starting with Pat Coogan, Carter Smith, Drew Evans, Bray Lynch, Kahlil Benson, and Adedamola Ajani. All those guys doing their jobs allow the quarterback to do his job.”
It’s not just X’s and O’s that define Shanahan’s approach. He’s known for his collaborative style, seeking input from head coach Curt Cignetti, offensive line coach Bob Bostad, tight ends coach Grant Cain, running backs coach John Miller, and quarterbacks coach Chandler Whitmer. “He makes sure that he gets the opinions of every coach, whether it’s scheme or a certain play or the way he wants to run the offense,” said offensive lineman Carter Smith. “Coach Cignetti is also very involved in that. It’s iron sharpening iron.”
Defensive coordinator Bryant Haines, who has worked with Shanahan for more than a decade, echoed that sentiment: “I have always respected him as a co-worker and a receivers coach who was always extremely organized and very efficient with his coaching. He was a no-brainer hire here as the OC. Anyone that’s been around Shanny knows how capable he is. I knew he was going to make it because he is phenomenal. He’s a great coach, very smart and his organizational discipline is one of his elite qualities.”
Shanahan’s attention to detail and relentless work ethic have not gone unnoticed by his players. Standout receiver Elijah Sarratt offered high praise: “I love him more than just a coach. He’s someone I can talk to about anything. He’s someone I want to invite to maybe my wedding years from now. I appreciate Coach Shanny a lot. Just seeing him evolve every single day makes me want to get better as well.”
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has also benefited from Shanahan’s tutelage. “He’s very serious about his craft. It all starts with his prep. He has a lot of physical attributes you can’t coach—a strong arm, a quick release. He sees the game well, sees the field well. He understands situations.” Shanahan added, “He can do it all. He can get the ball out quick to our playmakers on the perimeter. He makes good decisions on when to throw and when to hand it off. He does a good job in the drop back, the quick game, play actions, getting out of the pocket and using his legs to his advantage.”
Shanahan’s knack for maximizing talent and fostering a positive, competitive environment has sparked a massive turnaround for Indiana football. The Hoosiers boast a 24-2 record over the last two seasons, a far cry from the program’s 9-27 mark in the three years prior to his arrival. Fan support has swelled, and the community has rallied behind the team’s meteoric rise. “I have had some people in the community thank me and the team,” Shanahan said. “That’s been one of the coolest parts of being here, just the support we’ve gotten from the community—students, alumni, former players, people in general. They’re taking a lot of pride in what we’ve been able to do.”
For his efforts, Shanahan recently inked a three-year contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in the nation—a remarkable leap from his early days as a $10,000-a-year part-time coach at IUP.
As Indiana prepares for its Rose Bowl clash with ninth-seeded Alabama (11-3), the offense remains in fine form, and the Hoosiers are hungry for more. The collaborative coaching dynamic, the relentless preparation, and the belief in players’ potential have all become hallmarks of Shanahan’s tenure.
“He does a great job of putting his playmakers in a position to succeed,” said offensive lineman Pat Coogan. “He lets his ego go at the door and just cares about the overall success of the unit.”
With the Rose Bowl looming, Shanahan and the Hoosiers are ready to write the next chapter in their remarkable story. Whether or not they hoist the trophy, one thing’s for sure: under “Coach Shanny,” Indiana football has become a program to watch—innovative, resilient, and, above all, fun.