Head coaching movement is a normal part of every college football season. When programs change direction, certain names always rise to the surface as potential replacements. Curt Cignetti has quickly become one of those names.
After speculation surrounding the Penn State coaching search following reports of James Franklin’s firing, Cignetti’s name surfaced as a possible candidate. Instead of entertaining the noise, the Indiana football head coach signed a new contract in mid-October, signaling his commitment to the Hoosiers. Even at the professional level, NFL analysts have suggested that teams should consider him for head coaching roles.
Ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship game, the second-year Indiana football head coach was asked directly about any interest in coaching in the NFL. His response was straightforward.
“I’m really not an NFL guy,” Cignetti said.’
A Career Rooted in College Football
Cignetti’s football journey began long before his success at Indiana. He played quarterback at West Virginia University before stepping into coaching as a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh in 1983. Over the next several years, he worked at four different programs as an assistant coach, gaining experience across multiple systems.
Following the 1999 season at Pitt, Cignetti began exploring new opportunities. One of those possibilities came from the NFL.
Turning Down the Green Bay Packers
At one point, Cignetti had the chance to join the Green Bay Packers coaching staff. He could have worked under head coach Mike Sherman and offensive coordinator Tom Rossley as an assistant quarterbacks coach.
The role would have placed him alongside Brett Favre, who went on to become an 11-time Pro Bowler and one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history. Ultimately, however, Cignetti declined the opportunity. The Packers instead hired Darrell Bevell, who later built a long NFL career and currently serves as the Miami Dolphins’ quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator.
Despite how close he came to entering the NFL, that moment helped define Cignetti’s future.
Choosing the College Path
Rather than heading to Green Bay, Cignetti joined Chuck Amato’s staff at North Carolina State University in 2000 as the tight ends coach.
“That was really the point where I made the decision,” Cignetti said.
He spent seven seasons with Amato and the Wolfpack, continuing to build his reputation as a detail-oriented and demanding coach. In 2007, his career took another major step when he joined Nick Saban’s first coaching staff at the University of Alabama.
Learning Under Nick Saban at Alabama
Working within the Alabama Crimson Tide football program gave Cignetti firsthand exposure to one of the most successful cultures in college football history. He spent four seasons on Saban’s staff, gaining valuable insight into elite-level recruiting, preparation, and discipline.
That experience prepared him for the next phase of his career—leading his own program.
From First Head Coaching Job to Indiana
Cignetti earned his first head coaching position in 2011 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania football. After proving himself there, he went on to coach at Elon University and later became the James Madison football coach, where he enjoyed significant success.
In November 2023, Indiana turned to Cignetti to lead its program. Since arriving in Bloomington, he has delivered immediate results.
Indiana Football’s Historic Run
Across two seasons, Indiana Hoosiers football is 26-2 under Cignetti’s leadership. The turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable, turning Indiana into a legitimate national contender.
Now, the Hoosiers stand one win away from history. A victory over No. 10 Miami in the college football national championship game would give Indiana its first national title and cement the program’s place in college football lore.
The Miami Hurricanes vs Indiana Hoosiers matchup represents a storybook moment in Cignetti’s 15th season as a head coach.
College Football Immortality Within Reach
Known for his intense sideline demeanor and constant drive for improvement, Cignetti rarely appears satisfied. But a national championship could change that—if only briefly.
Indiana’s rise reflects his long-term belief in the college game, player development, and program building. Despite flirtations with the NFL and high-profile coaching rumors, Cignetti remains exactly where he wants to be.
After all, as he put it himself, he has “always been more of a college football guy.”
