Shanahan: Cignetti’s Trusted Aide and Strategic IU Football Play Caller
Indiana football’s offensive coordinator, Mike Shanahan, has successfully led his unit ahead of the upcoming championship game against Miami. His strategic calling and guidance have been pivotal for the Hoosiers, who are aiming to cap off a perfect season.
Shanahan: Cignetti’s Trusted Aide
Shanahan has been part of the coaching staff under Curt Cignetti since 2016, following him from James Madison to Indiana. The collaboration between them has been fruitful, contributing to the development of one of the nation’s top offenses.
Season Overview
Indiana currently holds an impressive record of 15-0 and is ranked No. 1 in the country. The Hoosiers’ success comes as they prepare to take on the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff (CFP) championship game.
Contract Details
- Mike Shanahan signed a new three-year contract worth $2.4 million annually.
- This contract nearly doubles his previous salary, reflecting his growing significance to the program.
- There are stipulations involving a penalty if he leaves before April 15, and the contract is fully guaranteed if terminated without cause.
Coaching Background
Shanahan’s journey in coaching began as a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh. He subsequently became the receivers coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania before joining Cignetti at Elon and later James Madison. By 2021, he had risen to the role of offensive coordinator at JMU and now holds that position at Indiana.
Statistical Highlight
As of now, Indiana is ranked:
- No. 2 in scoring offense, averaging 42.6 points per game.
- No. 11 in total offense, with 461 yards per game.
Personal Background
Shanahan hails from Pittsburgh and graduated from Norwin High School. He is recognized as one of the top receivers in the history of his college program. Notably, he shares a name with former NFL coach Mike Shanahan, who was a two-time Super Bowl champion; however, they are not related.
With star quarterback Fernando Mendoza leading the offense, the Hoosiers are set to showcase their skills on the big stage, hoping to add a championship title to their remarkable season.