Indiana University Athletics
Hoeppner Named New Head Coach
12/17/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Woodburn, Ind., native Terry Hoeppner, who led Miami (Ohio) University to a pair of consecutive Mid-American Conference East Division titles and bowl game appearances for the first time in 30 years, has been named Indiana University's 26th head football coach, IU Athletics Director Rick Greenspan announced today. Hoeppner signed a five-year contract and will be introduced at a 1 p.m. press conference on Dec. 17 at the Hoosier Room at Memorial Stadium.
Hoeppner will immediately split his duties between Miami and Indiana, as he will prepare and coach the RedHawks in the Dec. 28 Independence Bowl game against Iowa State. Following the bowl game, he will resume his new post at IU full-time.
Indiana President Adam W. Herbert said that there was a clear objective during the search.
"Our overarching goal is to develop a winning football program that reflects the fundamental values of Indiana University," Herbert said. "Those values are very clear and have been at the core of the search process. They include a strong commitment to rules compliance, to the graduation of our student-athletes, to outstanding personal and professional character, to teamwork within the athletics department, and to a level of excellence that is the hallmark of Indiana University in so many other areas."
Greenspan knows that Hoeppner brings instant energy to the Indiana football program.
"We talked to some terrific coaches throughout our search, but Terry Hoeppner stands above the rest," Greenspan said. "Miami University is known as The Cradle of Coaches and has one of the most impressive traditions in college football. Both as an assistant and head coach, Terry has helped Miami regain its national presence.
"When we opened the search, we said that we're looking for a visionary, a great recruiter. We want a solid educator, someone with the ability to evaluate and develop young men. Coach Hoeppner's record in these areas speaks for itself - 14 first team all-conference selections, five All-Americans, 32 Academic All-Conference picks and six eventual NFL players (highlighted by Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sensation quarterback Ben Roethlisberger)."
After a successful stint at Miami, Hoeppner is anxious to take the helm of the Hoosier program.
"First of all, I would like to thank President (Adam W.) Herbert, Athletic Director Greenspan and the Board of Trustees for this incredible opportunity," Hoeppner said. "My family and I have been in Ohio for 19 years, and we will always have a special spot in our hearts for Miami University. My three children are all Miami graduates. I am also very thankful to (current Miami Athletics Director) Brad Bates for his friendship and support, and (former MU and current Minnesota AD) Joel Maturi who gave me the opportunity to be a head coach.
"There is really only one job that I would ever leave Miami for, and that is Indiana University. IU is an opportunity that I always said in the back of my mind, `Someday...' Well, that someday is now."
Indeed, Hoeppner will hit the ground running.
"Indiana football presents a great opportunity, and a great challenge. We are accustomed to winning at Miami, and I want to carry that winning tradition over to the Big Ten. I know we can do that," Hoeppner said. "We will build on the program's foundation that is already in place. Our goal is simple - the Rose Bowl. We will shoot for perfection, and we can settle for excellence."
Roethlisberger, the record-setting rookie quarterback who has directed the Steelers to the AFC North title, says that the IU program is in terrific hands.
"I can't say enough about Coach Hoeppner. He is an inspiration, a second father to me. I love him to death," he said. "I told him that I will always support him, because he has always supported me. He's a wise man who made a wise decision. Going home (to Indiana) has got to be a good feeling."
Roethlisberger predicts that the current Hoosier players will immediately connect to their new coach.
"Indiana's players are getting a great coach and a great mentor," Roethlisberger said. "He's touched so many lives in so many ways. He's going to do great things at IU. The players are going to love him. He's a player's coach."
Hoeppner arrives in Bloomington after spending 19 seasons at Miami, including the past six as head coach. During his head coaching tenure, Hoeppner helped restore the national spotlight to the tradition-rich RedHawk football program. In addition to compiling a 48-24 overall record, Miami has finished among the top three in the MAC East each of the last six years. The RedHawks closed the 2003 season by winning the MAC and GMAC Bowl Championships and were ranked 10th in the final Associated Press poll and 12th in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll. In addition, Miami was rated as high as 11th in the Bowl Championship Series.
Hoeppner is the third former MU coach to eventually stroll the Hoosier sidelines. John Pont was a three-time First Team All-MAC halfback at Miami from 1947-50 before moving onto an illustrious 28-year head coaching career that included stops at his alma mater (1956-62) and Indiana (1965-72). He directed Miami to three league titles and the 1962 Tangerine Bowl before earning 1967 National Coach of the Year honors for leading the Hoosiers to the Big Ten title and Rose Bowl.
Bill Mallory was a two-time all-league end at Miami in 1955-56 before embarking on a 27-year coaching career that included stops at Miami (1969-73) and Indiana (1984-96). He led Miami to the 1973 MAC and Tangerine Bowl titles, and he is the winningest coach in Indiana history. He directed the Hoosiers to six bowl games in eight seasons.
Just as Hoeppner followed Pont and Mallory's footsteps in Oxford, the 1969 Franklin (Ind.) College graduate is poised to do the same in Bloomington. Hoeppner is second on Miami's all-time wins list (48), and those victories include triumphs at Northwestern (1999, 2003), at North Carolina (2002), at Colorado State (2003) and vs. Louisville in the 2003 GMAC Bowl. A 2003 finalist for the Paul "Bear" Bryant National Coach of the Year, Hoeppner won the 2003 Schutt Sports Coach of the Year, the Columbus Dispatch Ohio College Coach of the Year and the MAC Coach of the Year.
Prior to taking over the MU program from current Northwestern coach Randy Walker in Jan. 1999, Hoeppner spent 13 seasons as an assistant coach, including Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Backs from 1993-95 and Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator from 1995-98. During the 1998 campaign, Hoeppner's defense ranked fourth in the nation in scoring defense, fifth in pass efficiency defense and 16th in total defense. Miami's record with Hoeppner as Assistant Head Coach was 42-22-2 (.652)
During his 19-year Miami career, Hoeppner enjoyed considerable team and individual success. Miami gives special recognition to major victories - triumphs over programs from BCS conferences, and Hoeppner played a role in 12 such contests and six as head coach. Included in these decisions are wins at then-No. 8 LSU in 1986, at then-No. 25 Northwestern in 1995, at then-No. 12 Virginia Tech in 1997 and at then-No. 12 North Carolina in 1998. In addition, Hoeppner has mentored eight eventual NFL draft picks.
Hoeppner's impact at Miami is felt on and off the football field. The RedHawks have enjoyed at least five national television appearances each of the last two seasons, and Miami's bid to the 2004 Independence Bowl secured the highest bowl payout in MAC history. Hoeppner has also spearheaded efforts to renovate Yager Stadium and the development of the $5 million Walter L. Gross Family Student-Athlete Development Center.
Hoeppner is also active in the community. The annual Cradle of Coaches Clinic has averaged more than 250 high school coaches, and more than 30 high schools have participated in the 7-on-7 passing tournament every July. The Miami coaching staff has also held Youth Clinics, and the Miami players conduct Recess with the RedHawks, where players visit the cafeteria and playground of local elementary schools. Finally, the Day on Campus, held in conjunction with Champion International, allows Miami to host local elementary students in an attempt to show young people what college life is all about.
A 1969 graduate of Franklin College with a bachelor's degree in physical education and minor in biology, Hoeppner earned his master's degree in education from Butler in 1983 . Hoeppner was invited to the St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers training camps, and he played one season each with the Detroit Wheels and the Charlotte Hornets of the World Football League.
Hoeppner and his wife, Jane, have three children - Amy, Allison and Drew - and four grandchildren.
THE HOEPPNER FILE
Born: August 19, 1947
Birthplace: Fort Wayne, Ind.
Wife: Jane
Children: Amy, Allison and Drew
Grandchildren: Tucker and Spencer Fox, Tate and Quinn Balcam
High School: Woodlan High School, Woodburn, Ind., 1965
Franklin College, Franklin, Ind., 1969; B.A., Physical Education
Butler University, Indianapolis, Ind., 1983; M.S., Education
YEAR BY YEAR RECORD
COACHING EXPERIENCE
HOEPPNER HIGHLIGHTS
• Played for the Detroit Wheels and the Charlotte Hornets in the World Football League and was invited to training camp for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers
Hoeppner will immediately split his duties between Miami and Indiana, as he will prepare and coach the RedHawks in the Dec. 28 Independence Bowl game against Iowa State. Following the bowl game, he will resume his new post at IU full-time.
Indiana President Adam W. Herbert said that there was a clear objective during the search.
"Our overarching goal is to develop a winning football program that reflects the fundamental values of Indiana University," Herbert said. "Those values are very clear and have been at the core of the search process. They include a strong commitment to rules compliance, to the graduation of our student-athletes, to outstanding personal and professional character, to teamwork within the athletics department, and to a level of excellence that is the hallmark of Indiana University in so many other areas."
Greenspan knows that Hoeppner brings instant energy to the Indiana football program.
"We talked to some terrific coaches throughout our search, but Terry Hoeppner stands above the rest," Greenspan said. "Miami University is known as The Cradle of Coaches and has one of the most impressive traditions in college football. Both as an assistant and head coach, Terry has helped Miami regain its national presence.
"When we opened the search, we said that we're looking for a visionary, a great recruiter. We want a solid educator, someone with the ability to evaluate and develop young men. Coach Hoeppner's record in these areas speaks for itself - 14 first team all-conference selections, five All-Americans, 32 Academic All-Conference picks and six eventual NFL players (highlighted by Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sensation quarterback Ben Roethlisberger)."
After a successful stint at Miami, Hoeppner is anxious to take the helm of the Hoosier program.
"First of all, I would like to thank President (Adam W.) Herbert, Athletic Director Greenspan and the Board of Trustees for this incredible opportunity," Hoeppner said. "My family and I have been in Ohio for 19 years, and we will always have a special spot in our hearts for Miami University. My three children are all Miami graduates. I am also very thankful to (current Miami Athletics Director) Brad Bates for his friendship and support, and (former MU and current Minnesota AD) Joel Maturi who gave me the opportunity to be a head coach.
"There is really only one job that I would ever leave Miami for, and that is Indiana University. IU is an opportunity that I always said in the back of my mind, `Someday...' Well, that someday is now."
Indeed, Hoeppner will hit the ground running.
"Indiana football presents a great opportunity, and a great challenge. We are accustomed to winning at Miami, and I want to carry that winning tradition over to the Big Ten. I know we can do that," Hoeppner said. "We will build on the program's foundation that is already in place. Our goal is simple - the Rose Bowl. We will shoot for perfection, and we can settle for excellence."
Roethlisberger, the record-setting rookie quarterback who has directed the Steelers to the AFC North title, says that the IU program is in terrific hands.
"I can't say enough about Coach Hoeppner. He is an inspiration, a second father to me. I love him to death," he said. "I told him that I will always support him, because he has always supported me. He's a wise man who made a wise decision. Going home (to Indiana) has got to be a good feeling."
Roethlisberger predicts that the current Hoosier players will immediately connect to their new coach.
"Indiana's players are getting a great coach and a great mentor," Roethlisberger said. "He's touched so many lives in so many ways. He's going to do great things at IU. The players are going to love him. He's a player's coach."
Hoeppner arrives in Bloomington after spending 19 seasons at Miami, including the past six as head coach. During his head coaching tenure, Hoeppner helped restore the national spotlight to the tradition-rich RedHawk football program. In addition to compiling a 48-24 overall record, Miami has finished among the top three in the MAC East each of the last six years. The RedHawks closed the 2003 season by winning the MAC and GMAC Bowl Championships and were ranked 10th in the final Associated Press poll and 12th in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll. In addition, Miami was rated as high as 11th in the Bowl Championship Series.
Hoeppner is the third former MU coach to eventually stroll the Hoosier sidelines. John Pont was a three-time First Team All-MAC halfback at Miami from 1947-50 before moving onto an illustrious 28-year head coaching career that included stops at his alma mater (1956-62) and Indiana (1965-72). He directed Miami to three league titles and the 1962 Tangerine Bowl before earning 1967 National Coach of the Year honors for leading the Hoosiers to the Big Ten title and Rose Bowl.
Bill Mallory was a two-time all-league end at Miami in 1955-56 before embarking on a 27-year coaching career that included stops at Miami (1969-73) and Indiana (1984-96). He led Miami to the 1973 MAC and Tangerine Bowl titles, and he is the winningest coach in Indiana history. He directed the Hoosiers to six bowl games in eight seasons.
Just as Hoeppner followed Pont and Mallory's footsteps in Oxford, the 1969 Franklin (Ind.) College graduate is poised to do the same in Bloomington. Hoeppner is second on Miami's all-time wins list (48), and those victories include triumphs at Northwestern (1999, 2003), at North Carolina (2002), at Colorado State (2003) and vs. Louisville in the 2003 GMAC Bowl. A 2003 finalist for the Paul "Bear" Bryant National Coach of the Year, Hoeppner won the 2003 Schutt Sports Coach of the Year, the Columbus Dispatch Ohio College Coach of the Year and the MAC Coach of the Year.
Prior to taking over the MU program from current Northwestern coach Randy Walker in Jan. 1999, Hoeppner spent 13 seasons as an assistant coach, including Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Backs from 1993-95 and Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator from 1995-98. During the 1998 campaign, Hoeppner's defense ranked fourth in the nation in scoring defense, fifth in pass efficiency defense and 16th in total defense. Miami's record with Hoeppner as Assistant Head Coach was 42-22-2 (.652)
During his 19-year Miami career, Hoeppner enjoyed considerable team and individual success. Miami gives special recognition to major victories - triumphs over programs from BCS conferences, and Hoeppner played a role in 12 such contests and six as head coach. Included in these decisions are wins at then-No. 8 LSU in 1986, at then-No. 25 Northwestern in 1995, at then-No. 12 Virginia Tech in 1997 and at then-No. 12 North Carolina in 1998. In addition, Hoeppner has mentored eight eventual NFL draft picks.
Hoeppner's impact at Miami is felt on and off the football field. The RedHawks have enjoyed at least five national television appearances each of the last two seasons, and Miami's bid to the 2004 Independence Bowl secured the highest bowl payout in MAC history. Hoeppner has also spearheaded efforts to renovate Yager Stadium and the development of the $5 million Walter L. Gross Family Student-Athlete Development Center.
Hoeppner is also active in the community. The annual Cradle of Coaches Clinic has averaged more than 250 high school coaches, and more than 30 high schools have participated in the 7-on-7 passing tournament every July. The Miami coaching staff has also held Youth Clinics, and the Miami players conduct Recess with the RedHawks, where players visit the cafeteria and playground of local elementary schools. Finally, the Day on Campus, held in conjunction with Champion International, allows Miami to host local elementary students in an attempt to show young people what college life is all about.
A 1969 graduate of Franklin College with a bachelor's degree in physical education and minor in biology, Hoeppner earned his master's degree in education from Butler in 1983 . Hoeppner was invited to the St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers training camps, and he played one season each with the Detroit Wheels and the Charlotte Hornets of the World Football League.
Hoeppner and his wife, Jane, have three children - Amy, Allison and Drew - and four grandchildren.
THE HOEPPNER FILE
Born: August 19, 1947
Birthplace: Fort Wayne, Ind.
Wife: Jane
Children: Amy, Allison and Drew
Grandchildren: Tucker and Spencer Fox, Tate and Quinn Balcam
High School: Woodlan High School, Woodburn, Ind., 1965
Franklin College, Franklin, Ind., 1969; B.A., Physical Education
Butler University, Indianapolis, Ind., 1983; M.S., Education
YEAR BY YEAR RECORD
| Year | Overall | MAC | MAC Finish |
| 1999 | 7-4 | 6-2 | 2nd East |
| 2000 | 6-5 | 5-3 | T-3rd East |
| 2001 | 7-5 | 6-2 | T-2nd East |
| 2002 | 7-5 | 5-3 | 3rd East |
| 2003 | 13-1 | 8-0 | 1st East |
| 2004 | 8-4 | 7-1 | 1st East |
| Career | 48-24 (.667) | 34-11 (.756) | - |
COACHING EXPERIENCE
| Year | Positions |
| 1970-72 | Eastbrook (Ind.) High School head coach |
| 1974 | Pinson Valley (Ala.) High School assistant coach |
| 1975 | Hueytown (Ala.) High School assistant coach |
| 1976-79 | Mullins (S.C.) High School head coach |
| 1980-85 | Franklin (Ind.) College defensive coordinator |
| 1986 | Miami University linebackers coach |
| 1987-93 | Miami University defensive backs coach |
| 1993-95 | Miami University assistant head coach/defensive backs |
| 1995-98 | Miami University assistant head coach/defensive coordinator |
| 1999-2004 | Miami University head coach |
| 2004-Present | Indiana University head coach |
HOEPPNER HIGHLIGHTS
• Played for the Detroit Wheels and the Charlotte Hornets in the World Football League and was invited to training camp for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers
• Has been a part of two Mid-American Conference championships, two MAC East Division titles and three bowl games during his Miami career
• Has coached eight eventual NFL draft picks, including current rookie sensation Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Named the 2003 MAC Coach of the Year, 2003 Columbus Dispatch Ohio College Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the Paul "Bear" Bryant National College Coach of the Year
• Has defeated four Top 25 teams, including two Top 12 teams on the road, during his coaching career
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING...
"I can't say enough about Coach Hoeppner. He is an inspiration, a second father to me. I love him to death. I told him that I will always support him, because he has always supported me. He's a wise man who made a wise decision. Going home (to Indiana) has got to be a good feeling. Indiana's players are getting a great coach and a great mentor. He's touched so many lives in so many ways. He's going to do great things at IU. The players are going to love him. He's a player's coach."
- Former Miami All-American and current Pittsburgh Steeler Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger
"The first thing that comes to mind is The Cradle of Coaches. Terry is following in the footsteps of all the great coaches at Miami. In Terry, Indiana has a coach of unbelievable integrity, character and charisma. He will represent Indiana, its student-athletes and college football with the highest regard. Terry is a quality coach who sees the big picture and is a team player. He is a great fit at Indiana."
- Former Miami and current Minnesota Athletics Director Joel Maturi
"By hiring Terry, Indiana has hit a long home run way out of the park. There were a lot of great candidates for the job, but Terry is the epitome of what you want. He has got tremendous character, integrity and he is a heckuva football coach."
- American Football Coaches Association Executive Director Grant Teaff
"I'm excited for Terry. We've remained very close friends after working together for nine years at Miami. This is a great opportunity for him and his family. He'll do a great job at Indiana. Terry was very instrumental in helping us rebuild the Miami program and took it on to greater heights after he replaced me in 1999. He'll be very successful at Indiana."
- Former Miami and current Northwestern coach Randy Walker
FB: Bryant Haines Media Availability (12/28/25)
Sunday, December 28
FB: Aiden Fisher Media Availability (12/28/25)
Sunday, December 28
FB: D'Angelo Ponds Media Availability (12/28/25)
Sunday, December 28
FB: Isaiah Jones Media Availability (12/28/25)
Sunday, December 28