By now, everyone knows the name Curt Cignetti. National Championships can do that to you. Curt, known for his usually scowling, concentration face on the sidelines, is maybe the best coach in America. When he was chosen by Indiana and asked why would Indiana pick him? He looked at the reporter and said, “I win…..Google it!” So, I did, and it is an extraordinary biography!
Curt was born on June 2nd, 1961, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His father, also a successful coach, was Frank Cignetti, and a brother Frank Jr. was also a coach. Curt attended West Virginia University and played Quarterback from 1979-1982. He also earned a Business Administration Degree. Curt is married to Manette Lawler, and they have 3 children, Curtis John, Carly Ann, and Elise.
Curt Cignetti will always be remembered as a successful person, with a wonderful family, and as a program builder at schools. Make no mistake, this guy can build winners, and he has done it everywhere he has been. He has an incredible 53-17 record at IUP and made a significant turnaround at Elon, leading to CAA Coach of the Year honors. He learned a lot from Nick Saban at Alabama from 2007-2010 as recruiting coordinator (he knows talent!) and wide receivers coach, contributing to a National Championship in 2009. In 2023, he led the James Madison Dukes to an undefeated 10-0 start before moving to Indiana.
These are all memorable accomplishments; no doubt he can coach… but what makes him tick and what makes him so successful? Other coaches have had similar success, but it seems that Curt Cignetti has that special… something…..Aura….Charisma, or whatever that makes him different from other coaches of today.
From his father, he learned about hard work, honesty, and faith… and he took them to heart. His time with Nick Saban was instrumental in learning not only the X’s and O’s, but also how to build a team. Today, in the world of NIL money, most programs go after the biggest names and 5-star players coming out and throw tons of cash at them. That works, but does it build team loyalty, or teach honor or hard work?
No, today’s athlete can be bought, and in my opinion, that is destroying college football. Ryan Day can recruit and afford to pay for the best talent in the country, and it works most of the time for Ohio State. But, look at the players, some paid millions, who jump ship to another school….where’s the loyalty there?
Curt Cignetti is different….Indiana has NO 5-STAR PLAYERS ON THEIR CURRENT ROSTER! NONE…..and look what happened. Curt’s style is a little different; he emphasizes adaptability, thorough preparation, player development, and a culture of discipline and resilience. Known for implementing these high standards, they lead to significant success and national recognition. He finds players that fit the Indiana style, regardless of rating.
His big thing though (that’s why I emphasized the above) is player development. He wants players he can make better and grow into good football players. Most coaches nowadays think a 5-star is mostly ready for the NFL right now, so player development is a little more lax in other programs. Indiana builds players, no matter their rating coming out of High School. He also wants players of character and hard work attitudes. He will not accept less, and therein is the difference; he MAKES football players, not just coaches them!
I was on board with Indiana last year, thinking they would be pretty good. This year, I told people to watch out for Indiana, they are scary good….ask Ohio State! Will this trend continue for Indiana? No one can predict the future, but barring injury, coach defections (most have been with him for years… a lesson in loyalty!) and the money being thrown around, I would say Indiana has as good a chance now as anyone… And you couldn’t say that 3 years ago!
I am glad a man like Curt Cignetti is in the Big 10 conference. He can bring something with his demeanor and philosophy that I think is needed in other programs. The conference has its share of good coaches, Ryan Day, Kirk Ferentz at Iowa, Dan Lanning at Oregon, and Lincoln Riley at USC. All good coaches…But I think Curt Cignetti will make them stop and maybe rethink some of their positions and philosophies.
Self-examination is good… makes you think about how you do things. Curt Cignetti has thrown a wrench into the NIL method to a degree. Money isn’t always the answer; loyalty, discipline, and hard work are the keys to success. Maybe more coaches will take a look and see if this fits their programs. I think it will fit them all!
That’s the way I see it……..from the sidelines
