The 2025 Indiana State Football Coaching Staff: A Deep Dive Into Curt Mallory's New-Look Sycamores
Head Coach Profile: Curt Mallory—The 21st Leader of Sycamore Football
Curtiss Sweeney Mallory, known widely as Curt Mallory, has been the steady hand guiding the Indiana State Sycamores since his appointment as the 21st head coach in program history on January 23, 2017. Born on May 9, 1969, Mallory brings a deep football pedigree and a wealth of experience from some of the nation's most respected programs.
- Full Name: Curtiss Sweeney Mallory
- Born: May 9, 1969
- Hometown/Family: Son of legendary college football coach Bill Mallory, who coached at Indiana University.
- Alma Mater: University of Michigan (Two-year letterwinner under Bo Schembechler and Gary Moeller).
- Coaching Tenure at ISU: Appointed January 23, 2017 (Entering 9th season in 2025).
- Previous Coaching Stops:
- Wyoming (2015–2016): Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach
- Michigan (2011–2014): Safeties Coach
- Illinois (2008–2010): Defensive Backs Coach
- Kansas State (2005–2007): Secondary Coach
- Central Michigan (2001–2004): Defensive Backs Coach
- Indiana (1993–1994): Graduate Assistant (under his father, Bill Mallory)
- Michigan (1992): Student Assistant
- Coaching Philosophy: Known for his emphasis on developing young men into leaders both on and off the field, Mallory’s teams are typically characterized by a tough, physical style of play, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
The 2025 Indiana State Sycamores Football Coaching Staff: Key Coordinators and Position Coaches
The 2025 staff features a critical mix of continuity and change, with several high-profile additions announced in the new year. These coaching hires are intended to enhance the team’s strategic approach and boost player performance in specific areas. The following list details the core leadership group for the Sycamores.
Offensive Leadership and New Hires
The biggest news for 2025 is the overhaul of the offensive leadership. Coach Mallory brought in experienced coordinators to revitalize the Sycamores' attack, focusing on a more potent and balanced offensive scheme. The new Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, John Bear, is expected to bring a fresh, dynamic approach to the unit.
- Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach: John Bear (New Hire - January 2025)
- Assistant Head Coach / Run Game Coordinator / Offensive Line: Darrell Funk
- Running Backs Coach: Jalen Banks (New Hire - January 2025)
- Wide Receivers Coach: [To Be Confirmed]
- Tight Ends Coach: [To Be Confirmed]
The addition of John Bear is particularly significant, as he brings a wealth of experience as a long-time coordinator to Terre Haute. His primary task is to develop the Sycamores' passing game and mentor the quarterbacks, which is crucial for success in the competitive MVFC. Darrell Funk, a veteran offensive line coach, provides stability and expertise in the trenches, focusing on the run game coordinator duties.
Defensive Personnel and Special Teams
While the offense sees new faces, the defensive side of the ball often relies on consistency, a hallmark of a Curt Mallory-led team. The defensive staff is tasked with maintaining the program's defensive identity—a hard-nosed, disciplined unit known for forcing turnovers and playing with intensity. Brad Wilson, a long-serving member of the staff, has been instrumental in this effort.
- Defensive Coordinator / Secondary Coach: Brad Wilson (On staff since 2017)
- Safeties Coach: Elson (New Hire - January 2025)
- Defensive Line Coach: [To Be Confirmed]
- Linebackers Coach: [To Be Confirmed]
- Special Teams Coordinator: [To Be Confirmed]
Brad Wilson’s long tenure as Defensive Coordinator has provided a strong foundation for the Sycamores defense. The addition of Elson as the Safeties Coach suggests a renewed focus on the back end of the defense, critical for defending the high-powered passing attacks often seen in the MVFC. The Sycamores’ defensive unit will continue to emphasize fundamentals and aggressive play under this leadership structure.
The Impact of New Leadership on Recruiting and Program Outlook
The restructuring of the Indiana State coaching staff for 2025 is a direct effort to improve results and elevate the program's standing in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The Sycamores have faced challenges in the MVFC, a league often regarded as the most competitive in the FCS, featuring perennial powers like the North Dakota State Bison and South Dakota State Jackrabbits.
Curt Mallory’s philosophy centers on developing players who fit the program's culture. The new coaching hires, particularly John Bear and Jalen Banks, are expected to bring not only new schemes but also fresh recruiting contacts and energy. Success in FCS football is heavily dependent on identifying and developing overlooked talent, and the new staff will be aggressive in targeting high-potential student-athletes from Indiana, Illinois, and surrounding states.
The continuity provided by veteran coaches like Darrell Funk and Brad Wilson ensures that the team’s core values and established systems remain in place, while the new blood introduces innovative strategies. For the Sycamores, the 2025 season is not just about wins and losses; it is a crucial year for establishing the long-term viability and competitive edge of the program under Curt Mallory's leadership. The coaching staff is united by the goal of returning the Indiana State Sycamores to the level of success last seen during their 2014 playoff run.
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