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Is Indiana Coach Behind Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman Run NFL Bound?

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Could the Coach Behind Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman Push Be Headed to the NFL?
Fernando Mendoza (Image Credits: Imagn)

The meteoric rise of Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza from transfer to Heisman Trophy winner and national champion has drawn national attention. Part of that attention now includes the NFL interest in Indiana coach Chandler Whitmer, who played a significant role in Mendoza’s development.

From Heisman Season to NFL Headlines

Fernando Mendoza enjoyed a historic 2025 season, leading the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated start, Big Ten title, and later a national championship, while earning the program’s first Heisman Trophy, a rare trifecta that vaulted him into the 2026 NFL Draft discussion.

Chandler Whitmer (Image Credits: Imagn)

Who Is Chandler Whitmer? Indiana’s QB Coach

Chandler Whitmer (born August 16, 1991) is the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Indiana Hoosiers. A former quarterback himself, Whitmer played college ball at UConn and later moved into coaching.

His resume includes experience as an offensive quality control coach with the Los Angeles Chargers and pass game specialist with the Atlanta Falcons before joining Indiana’s staff.

Does This Hint at a Mendoza–Whitmer NFL Reunion?

The idea of both Mendoza and Whitmer landing in the NFL together, with Mendoza as a top draft pick and Whitmer on his coaching staff, isn’t just theoretical. Several teams (including those holding top draft picks) could see value in continuity between a player and a coach who have already succeeded together.

Moreover, recently, On3 reported, “Chandler Whitmer interviewed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the QBs coach job,” hinting at a potential NFL run in the upcoming 2026 season.

Conclusion

While Fernando Mendoza’s path to the NFL is fueled by his historic on-field accomplishments, Chandler Whitmer’s coaching impact has become a compelling part of that story. Whitmer’s expertise working with Mendoza has not only helped the quarterback succeed at the collegiate level but has also drawn NFL interest in the coach.

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