Indiana OC Mike Shanahan's Rise Powers 15-0 Hoosiers Into Title Game

New profiles clarify his background, including no ties to the NFL coaching family.

Overview

Indiana enters tonight’s College Football Playoff National Championship at 15-0 with Shanahan directing the offense.
Reporters note he is not related to former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan or 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan despite the shared surname.
Shanahan advanced from Pitt volunteer and GA to receiver posts at IUP, Elon, and James Madison under Curt Cignetti before becoming Indiana’s offensive coordinator after the 2023 season.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has flourished in the system, earning the Heisman Trophy this season.
Profiles cite his roots in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, and parents Michael and Diane, while noting there is no credible public information on his ethnicity or religious beliefs.