Justice Ellison returns to Indiana football in coaching role

When Indiana football took the field for its first spring practice Saturday morning at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Justice Ellison took his rightful place with the team’s offense. 

But Ellison, who’s out of eligibility after leading the Hoosiers with 159 carries for 848 rushing yards as a fifth-year senior in 2024, wasn’t wearing his crimson helmet or No. 6 jersey. 

Instead, he sported a sweatsuit — fit for his new role on the Hoosiers’ coaching staff. 

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti said during his press conference Saturday that Ellison is expected to be a quality control coach or graduate assistant, but his official title has not been finalized. 

Ellison texted Cignetti approximately one month to a month and a half ago, Cignetti said, with hopes of talking. They set up a meeting, and Ellison informed Cignetti of his future intentions. 

With help from Indiana Athletic Director Scott Dolson, Indiana brought Ellison onboard. 

“He decided that he was done with football, and he wanted to coach,” Cignetti said. “He was one of our leaders last year, and Scott created the opportunity within our organization for him to help us coach as a graduate assistant or a quality control coach. So, he will help Coach (John) Miller with the running backs, and he’ll do a good job.” 

Ellison, who spent the first four seasons of his career at Wake Forest University, was the first player to commit to Indiana after the program hired Cignetti on Nov. 30, 2023. He was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2024 after finishing in the top 10 in the conference in both rushing yards and touchdowns. 

While Indiana didn’t have designated team captains, Ellison attended the pregame coin toss each week, signifying his status as a team leader. Now, he’s back in a mentor role — and learning under Cignetti while starting his coaching career. 

“He’s taught me how to be a man, to be the same guy every single day,” Ellison said about Cignetti on Dec. 17 of last year. “He’s a guy I watch all the time and I kind of see how he handles when we do well and we don’t do well. Coach Cignetti has taught me so much in one year. I’m thankful to be at a place with Coach Cignetti for sure.”