40 Facts About Curt Cignetti

Early Life and Education

Curt Cignetti's journey in football began long before he became a renowned coach. His early life and education laid the foundation for his future success.

1. Curt Cignetti was born on June 2, 1961, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
2. He graduated from West Virginia University in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
3. Before coaching, Cignetti was a letter-winning quarterback at West Virginia University from 1979 to 1982.

Coaching Career Beginnings

Cignetti's coaching career started with humble beginnings, but his passion and dedication quickly propelled him forward.

4. Cignetti began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh from 1983 to 1984.
5. His first full-time coaching position was at Davidson College in 1985, where he coached quarterbacks and wide receivers.
6. From 1986 to 1988, he served as the quarterbacks coach at Rice University.
7. Cignetti then moved to Temple University, where he was the quarterbacks coach from 1989 to 1992.

Rise to Prominence

Cignetti's career took off as he joined more prominent programs and showcased his coaching prowess.

8. He returned to the University of Pittsburgh in 1993, coaching quarterbacks and tight ends until 1999.
9. In 2000, Cignetti joined North Carolina State University as the recruiting coordinator and quarterbacks/tight ends coach.
10. At NC State, he was part of the team that qualified for five bowl games, including the 2002 Gator Bowl.
11. Cignetti moved to the University of Alabama in 2007, serving as the recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach.
12. During his tenure at Alabama, he helped bring in the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class in 2008 and 2009.
13. The team won its first national championship since 1992 in 2009.

Notable Players and Recruiting Success

Cignetti's ability to recruit and develop top talent has been a hallmark of his career.

14. Two of his recruiting classes at NC State ranked in the top 10 in the nation.
15. Rivals.com named him one of the top 25 recruiters in the nation in 2004.
16. He coached notable players such as Philip Rivers, the 2004 NFL draft’s fourth pick.
17. Cignetti also coached Russell Wilson, who led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory.

Head Coaching Roles

Cignetti's head coaching roles have been marked by significant success and achievements.

18. In 2011, Cignetti became the head coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).
19. During his six-year tenure at IUP, he led the Crimson Hawks to the Division II playoffs three times.
20. His overall record at IUP was 53-17.
21. Cignetti then moved to Elon University in 2017, serving as the head coach until 2018.
22. In his first season at Elon, he led the Phoenix to an 8-4 overall record and a 6-2 conference record.
23. The team made the FCS playoffs in both seasons under his leadership.

Success at James Madison University

Cignetti's tenure at James Madison University further solidified his reputation as a top-tier coach.

24. In December 2018, Cignetti was named the head coach at James Madison University.
25. During his four-year tenure, he compiled a 41-8 record with a 24-3 mark in conference play.
26. The Dukes made the FCS semifinals in each of the next two seasons under his leadership.

Current Role at Indiana University

Cignetti's latest challenge is turning around the football program at Indiana University.

27. In December 2023, Cignetti was appointed as the head coach at Indiana University.
28. He faces perhaps his biggest challenge yet in revitalizing the Hoosiers' football program.

Career Record and Achievements

Cignetti's impressive career record and numerous achievements speak volumes about his coaching abilities.

29. Over his 13 seasons as a head coach, Cignetti has a record of 119-35.
30. His teams have reached the postseason on nine occasions and finished in the top 25 nine times.
31. This includes multiple conference championships and playoff appearances.
32. Cignetti has received several coaching honors, including being named the CAA Football Coach of the Year in 2017.
33. He was also a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award in 2017 and 2019.

Family Legacy and Personal Life

Football runs deep in the Cignetti family, with Curt continuing a proud legacy.

34. His father, Frank Cignetti, is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
35. The field at IUP is named in his father's honor (Frank Cignetti Field @ George P. Miller Stadium).
36. Curt’s younger brother, Frank Jr., is a veteran college and NFL coach.
37. Cignetti is married to the former Manette Lawer, and they have three children: Curtis John, Carly Ann, and Natalie Elise.
38. Natalie Elise was an honorable mention All-American in volleyball at IUP.

Coaching Philosophy and Legacy

Cignetti's coaching philosophy and legacy have left a lasting impact on the sport.

39. Known for his straightforward approach, Cignetti once said, “I win,” when asked about how he would sell the Hoosiers to prospective recruits.
40. His legacy in college football is one of excellence and consistency, inspiring countless individuals through his dedication and hard work.

Curt Cignetti's Lasting Impact

Curt Cignetti's career in college football coaching is nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as a quarterback at West Virginia University to his current role as head coach at Indiana University, he's shown an unwavering commitment to excellence. His impressive record of 119-35 over 13 seasons, including multiple conference championships and playoff appearances, speaks volumes about his coaching prowess.

Cignetti's ability to develop players like Philip Rivers and Russell Wilson, along with his knack for building strong team cultures, has left a lasting legacy in the sport. His straightforward approach and confidence, exemplified by his famous "Google me" remark, have made him a respected figure in the coaching community.

As he takes on the challenge of turning around Indiana University's football program, there's no doubt that Cignetti's impact on college football will continue to be felt for years to come.