Curt Cignetti
Curt Cignetti is an American college football coach serving as the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers since December 2023, renowned for his consistent winning records across NCAA Division II, FCS, and FBS levels, including a remarkable turnaround at Indiana that led to an 11-win season and College Football Playoff berth in 2024.[1][2] Born on June 2, 1961, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Cignetti is the son of Frank Cignetti Sr., a College Football Hall of Fame coach who led Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) to national prominence.[3][4] He grew up immersed in football, reared in Morgantown, West Virginia, after his family moved there, and played quarterback at West Virginia University, earning a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1982.[5] Cignetti's playing career at WVU included letterwinning as a quarterback, setting the stage for his coaching path influenced by his father's legacy of faith, family, and football discipline.[3][6] Cignetti began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh in 1983–84, contributing to a Fiesta Bowl team in his first year, before serving as quarterbacks and wide receivers coach at Davidson in 1985 and quarterbacks coach at Rice from 1986–88.[7] He continued as quarterbacks coach at Temple (1989–92) and Pittsburgh (1993–95), then joined NC State as quarterbacks coach (1996–2000) and offensive coordinator (2001–05), where his units ranked highly in passing efficiency.[7] From 2006–10, he was Alabama's wide receivers coach under Mike Shula, helping develop NFL talents before returning to his Pennsylvania roots.[7][4] As a head coach, Cignetti has compiled a 135-37 record (.785 winning percentage) over 15 seasons as of November 20, 2025, with no losing seasons and eleven postseason appearances.[2] At IUP (2011–16), he achieved a 53-17 mark, securing two Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference titles and three NCAA Division II playoff berths, including a 10-2 finish in 2016.[4] He then revived Elon University (2017–18) with a 14-9 record, improving from a 2-9 preseason to 8-4 in his debut year.[8] At James Madison University (2019–23), Cignetti posted a 47-9 record, guiding the Dukes through their FBS transition with an 8-3 mark in 2022 and 11-2 in 2023, winning back-to-back Sun Belt titles.[4] Since taking over Indiana, he engineered a program resurgence: 11-2 with a Big Ten runner-up finish and CFP appearance in 2024 (losing in the first round), and 10-0 as of November 20, 2025, earning him the 2024 AP Coach of the Year and FWAA Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year awards.[1][2] In October 2025, Indiana extended his contract through 2033 for $93 million, reflecting his impact.[9] Cignetti is married to Manette Lawer since 1989, and they have three children: son Curt Jr., and daughters Carly Ann and Natalie Elise, who earned honorable mention all-conference honors in volleyball at James Madison.[10] His brother, Frank Cignetti Jr., is also a coach, continuing the family tradition in the sport.[4] Cignetti's coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, player development, and winning at every stop, often bringing his own staff to instill a culture of success.[8]Early life and education
Upbringing
Curt Cignetti was born on June 2, 1961, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His father, Frank Cignetti Sr., was then serving as head coach at Leechburg High School, a small school outside Pittsburgh, where he had built a successful program with an undefeated season in 1965. Growing up in western Pennsylvania during this period, Cignetti was surrounded by the intensity of high school football in a region renowned for its passion for the sport. In 1970, when Cignetti was in third grade, the family relocated to Morgantown, West Virginia, as Frank Cignetti Sr. joined the West Virginia University staff as an assistant coach under head coach Bobby Bowden. Cignetti spent much of his childhood on the university's practice fields, absorbing the game's strategies and demands firsthand while his father advanced to head coach at WVU from 1976 to 1979. The Cignetti household was deeply immersed in football, with Frank Sr. later returning to his alma mater, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), as head coach from 1986 to 2005—a 20-year tenure that produced a 182–50–1 record, 13 NCAA Division II playoff berths, and two appearances in the national championship game. This dynastic legacy in coaching fostered Cignetti's early fascination with the profession, shaping his understanding of discipline, preparation, and family commitment to the sport from a young age.Education
Cignetti attended Morgantown High School in Morgantown, West Virginia, where he played football from 1975 to 1978, developing an early interest in the sport.[11][12] Influenced by his father, Frank Cignetti Sr., who served as head coach at West Virginia University from 1976 to 1979, Cignetti enrolled at WVU in 1979 and majored in business administration.[10][11] During his undergraduate years, he gained initial exposure to the college football environment as a member of the Mountaineers team, lettering as a quarterback from 1979 to 1982.[10] Cignetti graduated from West Virginia University in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in business administration.[10]Pre-head coaching career
Playing career
Curt Cignetti played quarterback for the West Virginia Mountaineers from 1979 to 1982, earning a varsity letter during his college career. As the son of head coach Frank Cignetti Sr., he joined the program as a freshman in 1979 and remained through the transition to Don Nehlen as head coach in 1980, primarily serving as a backup to starter Oliver Luck.[13][12] Cignetti saw limited action over four seasons, appearing in just one game. In a 1981 matchup against Virginia, which West Virginia won 32-18, he recorded his only career pass attempt (0 completions for 0 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions) alongside one rushing attempt. Across his tenure, his career passing statistics totaled 0 attempts completed out of 1 (0.0% completion percentage), 0 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions, reflecting his role as a reserve player. In 1982, he was honored with the A.C. (Whitey) Gwynne Award and the Louis D. Meisel Award for his team contributions.[14][15] Despite minimal statistical contributions, Cignetti was part of Mountaineers teams that marked a turning point for the program under Nehlen, achieving back-to-back bowl berths for the first time since 1964–1965. He traveled with the squad to the 1981 Peach Bowl (a 26-6 win over Florida) following an 8-3 regular season and the 1982 Gator Bowl (a 31-12 loss to Florida State) after a 9-2 regular season.[16][17][18] Upon earning his bachelor's degree in business administration from West Virginia University in 1982, Cignetti shifted focus to coaching, leveraging his on-field experiences—including observing high-level play from the sideline—to develop an early coaching acumen that emphasized preparation and team dynamics.[13] This foundation propelled him into his first role as a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh in 1983.[19]Assistant coaching career
Cignetti entered coaching shortly after concluding his playing career as a quarterback at West Virginia University, beginning as a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh in 1983 and 1984, where he contributed to the team's preparation for the 1984 Cotton Bowl.[20] He then moved to Davidson College in 1985, serving as quarterbacks and wide receivers coach, marking his initial full-time role in developing offensive skill positions.[21] From 1986 to 1988, Cignetti was the quarterbacks coach at Rice University, focusing on quarterback mechanics and offensive execution within the Southwest Conference.[20] His tenure emphasized player fundamentals and scheme integration, contributing to the Owls' offensive development during a period of program transition. He continued in a similar capacity from 1989 to 1992 at Temple University, where he honed quarterback training and supported the Owls' efforts to revitalize their passing game as an independent program before joining the Big East Conference.[20] In 1993, Cignetti returned to Pittsburgh as tight ends and quarterbacks coach, a position he held until 1999 while also assuming recruiting coordinator duties from 1993 onward.[20] During this stretch under head coaches Paul Hackett and Walt Harris, he played a key role in offensive scheme design, particularly in pass protection and route concepts for tight ends and quarterbacks, aiding the Panthers' progression toward bowl eligibility in multiple seasons. His recruiting efforts bolstered the talent pipeline, emphasizing in-state prospects to build depth in the offensive unit.[22] Cignetti advanced to North Carolina State in 2000 as tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator, remaining through 2006 under Chuck Amato.[20] In this role, he contributed to the Wolfpack's offensive strategies, focusing on tight end versatility in blocking and receiving, which supported a balanced attack that achieved multiple ACC bowl appearances, including the 2003 Gator Bowl. His recruiting coordination was instrumental in assembling competitive classes, enhancing player development for future NFL contributors.[23] Cignetti's assistant career culminated from 2007 to 2010 at Alabama under Nick Saban, where he served as wide receivers coach and run game coordinator while maintaining recruiting coordinator responsibilities.[20] He was pivotal in the program's rebuild following the 6-6 season in 2006, helping lay the foundational elements for sustained success, including the 2009 national championship.[24] Cignetti developed elite wide receivers such as Julio Jones, whom he coached from 2008 to 2010 and who earned SEC Offensive Freshman of the Year honors in 2008 before becoming a seven-time NFL Pro Bowler, and recruited talents like Mark Ingram, the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner.[19] His offensive schemes integrated wide receiver routes with run support, contributing to Alabama's top-ranked scoring offenses and establishing a model for player growth that influenced his later head coaching philosophies.[25]Head coaching career
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2011–2016)
Curt Cignetti was hired as the head football coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) on January 21, 2011, following preliminary discussions in December 2010, succeeding Lou Tepper who had led the program to a 4-7 record in the prior season.[26][27] The appointment marked a return to his alma mater, where Cignetti aimed to uphold the family legacy established by his father, Frank Cignetti Sr., who coached IUP from 1986 to 2005 and secured two NCAA Division II national championships while compiling a 199-77-1 record.[28][29] Over six seasons from 2011 to 2016, Cignetti guided the Crimson Hawks to a 53-17 overall record, including a 33-11 mark in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play, transforming a program that had endured back-to-back losing conference seasons prior to his arrival.[30][31] His teams made three NCAA Division II playoff appearances in 2012, 2015, and 2016, with the 2012 squad advancing to the quarterfinals as PSAC champions and the 2015 team reaching the second round after a first-round victory over Charleston.[31][32] Key seasons highlighted this turnaround: the 2011 debut yielded a 7-3 overall record and 5-2 PSAC finish, marking the first winning season since 2009; 2012 brought a 12-2 record with a PSAC title; 2013 ended 9-2 and ranked No. 24 nationally; 2014 saw a 6-5 mark amid injuries; 2015 finished 9-3 with a shared PSAC West title; and 2016 closed at 10-2, ranked No. 12 nationally.[33][34] These results included two PSAC West titles (2012, 2015) and four top-25 finishes, restoring IUP's status as a Division II contender.[10] Cignetti implemented an offensive philosophy emphasizing run-pass options (RPOs) and dual-threat elements, introduced midway through his tenure to leverage versatile personnel and create matchup advantages, which contributed to consistent rushing efficiency and explosive plays across his seasons.[35] His recruitment efforts focused on high-character players from Pennsylvania and surrounding regions, yielding successes such as running back De'Antwan Williams, who set single-game rushing records in 2013 with 328 yards against Shippensburg, and quarterback Anthony Coleman, who led the 2016 team to its No. 12 ranking.[36] These acquisitions, combined with player development from his prior assistant roles, enabled IUP to rebuild depth and compete at an elite level in Division II.[26]Elon University (2017–2018)
Curt Cignetti was hired as Elon's head football coach on December 31, 2016, following a successful tenure at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with the aim of revitalizing a program that had endured six consecutive losing seasons.[37] His appointment was seen as a strategic move to inject discipline and winning culture into the Phoenix, drawing on his experience in turning around programs.[38] In the 2017 season, Cignetti led Elon to an 8–4 overall record and a 6–2 mark in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play, marking a six-win improvement from the previous year's 2–9 finish.[39] This success earned the Phoenix their first FCS playoff appearance since 2009, where they hosted and lost to Furman 28–27 in the first round, finishing ranked No. 20 nationally.[40] The 2018 season saw Elon achieve a 6–5 record, with a 4–3 conference standing that secured another playoff berth.[13] The team showed notable offensive growth, increasing their scoring average from 21.33 points per game in 2017 to 24.36 in 2018, highlighted by a landmark 27–24 upset victory over then-No. 2 James Madison that snapped the Dukes' 22-game CAA winning streak.[41] However, they fell 19–7 to No. 12 Wofford in the FCS first round.[13] Cignetti resigned on December 14, 2018, after the season to become head coach at CAA rival James Madison University, a program with greater resources and national championship aspirations, ending his brief two-year stint at Elon with an overall 14–9 record.[42] The move was abrupt but reflected an opportunity to lead a more established contender in the conference.[43]James Madison University (2019–2023)
Curt Cignetti was hired as the eighth head coach in James Madison University football history on December 14, 2018, signing a six-year contract after leading Elon University to back-to-back winning seasons.[44][45] Coming from a program where he had revitalized performance in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), Cignetti quickly instilled a culture of high expectations and discipline at JMU, emphasizing accountability and a winning mindset that transformed the team's preparation and identity.[13][46] In his debut 2019 season, Cignetti guided the Dukes to a 14-2 record, including an undefeated 8-0 mark in CAA play to secure the conference championship.[13][47] The team advanced through the FCS playoffs with four consecutive victories before falling to North Dakota State in the national championship game, marking JMU's first appearance in the title contest and establishing Cignetti's offensive scheme as a high-scoring force that set multiple program records for points and yards.[10][48] The 2020 fall season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but JMU opted into a spring 2021 schedule under Cignetti, finishing 7-1 overall and 3-0 in CAA play while maintaining momentum from the prior year.[2] In the fall 2021 campaign, the Dukes achieved a 12-2 record with a 7-1 conference mark, reaching the FCS semifinals and extending a dominant run with 14 straight wins to start Cignetti's tenure.[21] As JMU transitioned to FBS and joined the Sun Belt Conference for the 2022 season, Cignetti adapted the program seamlessly, posting an 8-3 overall record and 6-2 in conference play during the inaugural year at the higher level.[10] The 2023 season saw further success with an 11-2 mark and a 7-1 Sun Belt record, culminating in JMU's first bowl appearance and underscoring Cignetti's ability to elevate the program amid the division change.[49] Over five seasons, his teams compiled a 52-9 overall record, featuring multiple playoff and postseason berths that highlighted sustained excellence in both FCS and FBS contexts.[50] Cignetti departed JMU on November 30, 2023, after accepting the head coaching position at Indiana University, leaving behind a legacy of rapid turnaround and competitive dominance.[50][51]Indiana University (2024–present)
Curt Cignetti was hired as the head football coach at Indiana University on November 30, 2023, departing James Madison University after leading the Dukes to a 52-9 record over four seasons, including two undefeated regular seasons in the FCS.[52][4] His initial six-year contract, finalized in December 2023, carried an average annual value of approximately $4.5 million, including base salary, incentives, and promotional opportunities, marking a significant investment for a program that had won just three Big Ten games over the prior three seasons.[53] From the outset, Cignetti emphasized the transfer portal as a core rebuilding strategy, securing over 20 transfers in his first offseason—more than any other FBS program—including 10 projected starters on both lines and key skill positions to accelerate the roster overhaul.[54] In his debut 2024 season, Cignetti orchestrated a dramatic turnaround, guiding the Hoosiers to an 11-2 overall record and 8-1 mark in Big Ten play, securing bowl eligibility for the first time since 2020 and earning a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff as the No. 11 seed.[55] The team's offensive explosion, averaging over 40 points per game in multiple stretches, highlighted Cignetti's up-tempo, spread scheme, while defensive improvements limited opponents to under 20 points in eight victories.[56] As of November 20, 2025, Cignetti's Hoosiers are 11-0 (8-0 in the Big Ten), ranked No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings, and established as legitimate conference title contenders for the first time in program history. The offense has continued its high-scoring dominance, averaging approximately 44.5 points per game through the season to date, fueled by efficient passing attacks and explosive plays from portal acquisitions.[57] On October 16, 2025, amid speculation linking Cignetti to other high-profile openings, Indiana announced a new eight-year contract extension running through November 30, 2033, valued at $92.8 million with an average annual compensation of $11.6 million—ranking third in the Big Ten and among the top five nationally.[9] The deal includes a $15 million buyout that escalates in the early years, reflecting the program's commitment to retaining Cignetti as he sustains the transfer-heavy model that has yielded 22 wins in his first two seasons as of November 20, 2025.[58]Personal life
Family
Curt Cignetti has been married to Manette (née Lawer) since 1989.[59] The couple, who met in Indiana, Pennsylvania, where Manette grew up as the ninth of ten children, have built a stable family life amid Cignetti's frequent coaching relocations from IUP to Elon, James Madison, and now Indiana University.[60] The Cignettis have three children: son Curtis John and daughters Carly Ann and Natalie Elise.[10] Natalie Elise distinguished herself as an honorable mention All-American in volleyball at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, reflecting the family's deep ties to athletics.[61] Curtis John has pursued a career outside of coaching, while Carly Ann is an orthopedic surgeon.[62] Manette has been a pillar of support throughout Cignetti's career, helping maintain work-life balance during moves across states and managing family logistics to keep the household grounded.[63] The family celebrated a milestone when Natalie became engaged to Trent VanHorn on the field after an Indiana victory in November 2024.[64] Drawing from his own upbringing in a coaching family—modeled after his father Frank Cignetti Sr.'s emphasis on faith, family, and football—Cignetti has instilled similar values in raising his children, fostering resilience and involvement in sports.[6]Beliefs and values
Curt Cignetti was raised in a devout Catholic household in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where faith formed a foundational element of his early life and continues to influence his personal philosophy.[65] This emphasis on faith, alongside family and football, was profoundly shaped by his father, Frank Cignetti Sr., a longtime coach who modeled a life integrating spiritual principles with perseverance and dedication. Cignetti has reflected on this inheritance, noting that boastful talk would have drawn chastisement from his father, underscoring values of humility and quiet resolve.[6] At the core of Cignetti's beliefs are intertwined commitments to family, relentless perseverance, and viewing football not merely as a profession but as an extension of life's deeper principles. He credits his father's old-school ethos for instilling a profound work ethic, where preparation and consistent effort are non-negotiable tenets.[66] Cignetti demonstrates these values through public advocacy for mentorship and community engagement, often emphasizing the role of guidance in personal growth. His involvement in off-field initiatives reflects this conviction, including annual football camps aimed at developing young athletes' skills and character.[67] He has also supported youth programs by participating in fundraisers for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington, raising significant funds to bolster community resources for children.[68]Coaching record and achievements
Head coaching record
Curt Cignetti has compiled an overall head coaching record of 141–37 (.792) across his tenures at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Elon University, James Madison University, and Indiana University, as of November 20, 2025.[2][20][69] His teams have qualified for postseason play nine times, including NCAA Division II and FCS playoffs, as well as FBS bowl games.[48]| Year | Team | Overall | Conference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | IUP | 7–3 | 5–2 PSAC West | 3rd in West |
| 2012 | IUP | 12–2 | 6–1 PSAC West | T–1st in West; PSAC champions; NCAA Division II quarterfinals |
| 2013 | IUP | 9–2 | 5–2 PSAC West | 2nd in West |
| 2014 | IUP | 6–5 | 5–4 PSAC West | 3rd in West |
| 2015 | IUP | 9–3 | 6–1 PSAC West | 2nd in West; NCAA Division II first round |
| 2016 | IUP | 10–2 | 6–1 PSAC West | 2nd in West; NCAA Division II second round |
| 2017 | Elon | 8–4 | 6–2 CAA | T–2nd in North; FCS playoffs (first round) |
| 2018 | Elon | 6–5 | 4–3 CAA | 3rd in North; FCS playoffs (first round) |
| 2019 | James Madison | 14–2 | 8–0 CAA | CAA champions; NCAA FCS runners-up |
| 2020* | James Madison | 7–1 | 3–0 CAA | CAA champions; NCAA FCS semifinals |
| 2021 | James Madison | 12–2 | 7–1 CAA | 2nd; NCAA FCS quarterfinals |
| 2022 | James Madison | 8–3 | 6–2 Sun Belt | 2nd in East; postseason ineligible (FBS transition) |
| 2023 | James Madison | 11–1 | 7–1 Sun Belt | 1st in East; postseason ineligible (FBS transition) |
| 2024 | Indiana | 11–2 | 8–1 Big Ten | 2nd; College Football Playoff first round (L 17–27 vs. Notre Dame) |
| 2025† | Indiana | 11–0 | 8–0 Big Ten | Ongoing season; ranked No. 2 in AP Poll |
†Record as of November 20, 2025.[33][21][70][71][72][73][31]