The Argument for Bryant Haines to be the next VT Football Coach

Not to step on Bar's toes but I've been enamored with a psuedo-under the radar candidate in Bryant Haines. Consistently referred to as the "brain child" of Cignetti's coaching staff, I think he should be seriously considered.

Haines is a proven defensive mastermind with deep ties to the Mid-Atlantic region, a track record of building elite units at multiple levels, and the recruiting prowess to compete in the ACC. At 39 years old, Haines is a rising star who recently signed a contract extension with Indiana after leading the Hoosiers to an 11-win season and a College Football Playoff berth in 2024. Virginia Tech is the perfect move for Haines to step up as a head coach—bringing the Sunseri brothers (Tino as OC and Vinnie as DC, both have worked with Haines in the past) to form a family-led staff that blends innovation, discipline, and championship DNA.

Haines isn't just a coordinator; he's a program-builder with a resume that screams "ready for Power 4 head coaching." A four-year starter and All-MAC linebacker at Ball State (where he earned Freshman All-America honors in 2005), Haines transitioned seamlessly into coaching, spending over a decade under Curt Cignetti—a coach known for rapid turnarounds at Elon, James Madison, and now Indiana.

• Elite Defensive Results Across Levels: At James Madison (FCS to FBS transition), Haines' defenses ranked top-10 nationally in total defense for four straight seasons (2019-2022), including No. 14 in FBS during JMU's debut year. He mentored All-CAA stars like Warren Messer (two-time All-American) and produced 47 sacks in 2023 alone. At Indiana, Haines elevated a middling Big Ten unit to national dominance: No. 1 in rushing defense (80.2 YPG), No. 2 in total defense (256.3 YPG), and No. 10 in passing yards allowed (176.1 YPG) en route to those 11 wins. Program records fell for fewest rushing yards allowed (1,043) and points per game (15.6). This isn't luck—it's Haines' obsessive attention to detail, constantly evolving schemes, and ability to develop pass rushers (e.g., Jalen Green, Sun Belt Defensive POY with 18 sacks).
• Head Coaching Readiness: Haines is a two-time Broyles Award semifinalist (2023 at JMU, 2024 at Indiana) and a 2024 finalist, marking him as one of college football's top assistants. He's already been floated as a head coaching candidate, including for Ball State's 2024 opening. At $1.1 million annually—the highest-paid assistant in IU history—Haines commands respect, but his passion for the game (he "never stops thinking about football") aligns with Beamer-era intensity. Virginia Tech, which hasn't had a top-25 defense since 2016, needs this edge. Haines could install a 3-4 hybrid scheme reminiscent of Foster's attacking style.
• Regional Roots and Recruiting Firepower: Born in Ohio but with deep Mid-Atlantic ties (coached at IUP, Elon, JMU, and UC Davis), Haines knows Virginia Tech's backyard. He's recruited Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana aggressively, landing high-upside defenders.

The Sunseri Brothers: A Dynamic Coordinator Duo for Balance and Continuity

To make Haines' promotion irresistible, pair him with Tino and Vinnie Sunseri as offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively. The brothers—sons of NFL/college coaching legend Sal Sunseri—bring complementary expertise, family cohesion, P2 coordinator/play calling experience and Saban-family polish. Sal, a former Alabama DC under Nick Saban (2011 national title) has mentored both sons; this trio echoes the collaborative intensity that won championships in Tuscaloosa.

This staff isn't just talented—it's synergistic. Tino's offense (balanced, QB-friendly) complements Haines' shutdown D, creating a roster-maximizing identity. The brothers' Saban pedigree (Both brothers served as GAs under Saban) ensures discipline, while their youth (both under 35) injects energy. Sal could even consult as a special advisor (which he would gladly accept - what currently retired grandfather wouldn't want to live near both of his sons' families and talk ball everyday)

The Big Picture: Immediate Impact and Long-Term Glory

Hiring Haines with the Sunseris isn't a home run—it's a grand slam for a program that's 32-28 since 2019, mired in mediocrity. Financially, VT's $5M+ coaching budget (per recent reports) can afford Haines (~$2-3M as HC) and the brothers ($800K+ each). Recruiting wins immediately: Haines' Indiana success drew 4-star defenders from VA/NC; add the Sunseris' SEC shine, and the 2026 class surges. On-field? Expect a 7-5 bowl in Year 1, building to ACC contention by 2027—top-20 defenses, top-30 offenses, and playoff contention.