Indiana Football’s Key Assistant Coach Joins SEC Following Championship Victory

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Indiana Football’s Key Assistant Coach Joins SEC Following Championship Victory

Following their triumphant victory in the College Football Playoff National Championship, Indiana football is set to face a significant transition. Derek Owings, the team’s director of athletic performance, has accepted a position at the University of Tennessee.

Derek Owings’ Departure and Impact on Indiana Football

Owings, aged 32, is widely recognized as one of the nation’s foremost strength and conditioning coaches. His new role comes shortly after Indiana secured the national title, highlighting a pivotal moment for the program. According to reports from CBS Sports, Owings had a substantial contract worth over $900,000, making him one of the highest-paid professionals in his field.

Background and Achievements

Owings was hired by head coach Curt Cignetti in 2020 while at James Madison University. He has been instrumental in the team’s success over six seasons, culminating in the recent championship win. His expertise was formally recognized when he received the FootballScoop.com’s strength and conditioning coach of the year award in 2025.

Owings’ training programs have significantly enhanced player performance.
His work with standout receiver Omar Cooper Jr. was particularly notable during the season.
Cignetti praised Owings for his scientific approach to strength and conditioning.

The Hoosiers’ Future Without Owings

With Owings’ departure, Indiana will need to seek a replacement who can fill the void left by his innovative training methods. Cignetti acknowledged Owings as a “winning edge” for the team, emphasizing his crucial role in player development.

Before the playoff, Indiana secured contract extensions for key coordinators, Mike Shanahan and Bryant Haines. Cignetti has expressed intentions to extend contracts for other staff members. However, losing Owings will require immediate focus on maintaining the program’s momentum.

The challenge ahead includes not only finding a new director of athletic performance but also ensuring that the team’s athletes continue to benefit from rigorous strength and conditioning. As Indiana football prepares for the next season, they face the task of adapting to this change while striving to uphold their championship standard.