It's clear that Mike Shanahan means a great deal to Indiana football's success.
The Hoosiers' offensive coordinator received a new deal that will pay him a handsome penny for his services directing the offense and developing receivers for coach Curt Cignetti. Shanahan played wide receiver at Pitt, where he was also a graduate assistant for two years before joining Cignetti's staff at all four of his stops, from Division II Indiana-Pennsylvania (IUP), to FCS Elon, to FBS James Madison.
Shanahan's name conjures pictures of multiple generations of NFL coaching. However, he is not related to those Shanahans.
Here's what to know about IU's offensive coordinator.
Is IU offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan related to NFL coach Mike Shanahan or Kyle Shanahan?
No. Mike Shanahan — the NFL coach — guided three NFL teams, most notably the Denver Broncos from 1995 to 2007, winning Super Bowls after the 1997 and '98 seasons. His son, Kyle, is in his ninth season as coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
Mike Shanahan playing career at Pitt
The 36-year-old IU offensive coordinator played wide receiver at Pitt from 2009-12, with 159 receptions for 2,276 yards (14.3 per) and 11 touchdowns. He spent time in the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers organizations, but did not play in the NFL.
Insider: How Mike Shanahan became a top offensive coordinator at Indiana football
Mike Shanahan coaching resume
- 2014-15: Pitt graduate assistant
- 2016: Indiana-Pennsylvania receivers coach
- 2017-18: Elon receivers coach, recruiting coordinator
- 2019-20: James Madison receivers coach, recruiting coordinator
- 2021-23: James Madison offensive coordinator, receivers coach
- 2024-26: Indiana football offensive coordinator, receivers coach
How old is Mike Shanahan? Mike Shanahan age
Shanahan is 36 years old.
Mike Shanahan contract as IU offensive coordinator
Shanahan signed a new contract in December that will pay him $2.4 million in the first year of his deal, then $2.5 million and then $2.6 million. That more than doubles his salary of $1.15 million from last season.
Shanahan would owe 50% of his salary if he leaves prior to April 15, but he'd be subject to his full buyout if fired without cause, subject to mitigation.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Is Mike Shanahan related to NFL coaching family? What to know about IU offensive coordinator
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