Indiana's Coaching Staff Takes Big Hit After 11-1 Season
12/05/2024 03:49 PM
The only true downside to running a successful operation is that people will eventually leave for bigger and better opportunities. Indiana's football team is learning that lesson this season.
The Hoosiers finished the 2024 regular season with an 11-1 record. They're currently ranked No. 9 and are basically a lock to compete in the College Football Playoff. While head coach Curt Cignetti deserves a ton of credit for Indiana's success, he didn't do alone. One coach who has played a pivotal role for the program is Tino Sunseri. He's been the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Indiana.
Sunseri clearly caught the attention of other teams in the Big Ten this season. It's being reported by multiple sources that he'll leave Indiana to become UCLA's offensive coordinator. However, he won't officially take on this challenge until after the CFP comes to an end.
UCLA just parted ways with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. It makes sense for the Bruins to pursue a rising star in Sunseri.
Sunseri, 35, coached at James Madison for three seasons before joining Cignetti at Indiana. Prior to his stint at JMU, he was a quality control assistant for Tennessee and graduate assistant for Alabama.
Indiana has thrived on offense this season, averaging 43.3 points per game. The team's starting quarterback, Kurtis Rourke, has been enjoying a career year with Sunseri as his position coach. He's completing 70.4 percent of his passes for 2,827 yards with 27 touchdowns and four interceptions.
Sunseri's offense flexed its muscles in the regular-season finale, dropping 66 points on Purdue. Noy only did Rourke throw for 349 yards and six touchdowns, the Hoosiers managed to rack up 233 yards on the ground.
It's safe to say Sunseri earned the offensive coordinator position at UCLA.
Related: Former NFL Coach Eric Bieniemy Fired From His College Job
