Everything You Need to Know About Curt Cignetti

The Man Behind the “Google Me” Phenomenon

Curt Cignetti is one of college football’s most successful active coaches, currently leading Indiana University to unprecedented heights. Born June 2, 1961, he has built a remarkable career defined by program turnarounds, consistent winning, and a confident swagger captured in his famous declaration: “I win. Google me.”

Quick Facts About Curt Cignetti:

Current Position: Head Coach, Indiana University (2024–present)
Career Record: 145–37 overall (.797 winning percentage)
2024 Salary: $8 million annually (increased to $11.6 million in 2025)
Notable Achievement: Only coach to start 10–0 in consecutive seasons at different schools
Awards: Multiple National Coach of the Year honors (2024, 2025)
Indiana Impact: First 11-win season, first Big Ten title since 1967, first College Football Playoff appearance

Cignetti didn’t arrive at Indiana as an unknown commodity. His résumé speaks for itself—53–17 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 14–9 at Elon, and an exceptional 52–9 at James Madison. Before becoming a head coach, he spent years as an assistant at powerhouse programs like Alabama and NC State, working under Nick Saban and developing future NFL stars like Russell Wilson and Julio Jones.

What makes Cignetti special isn’t just his win-loss record. It’s his ability to transform struggling programs into winners almost overnight. At Indiana, he accomplished what many thought impossible—turning a historically mediocre Big Ten program into a national contender in just one season.

The son of College Football Hall of Fame coach Frank Cignetti Sr., he grew up immersed in the game. That foundation, combined with decades of experience at every level of college football, has created a coach who knows exactly how to build championship cultures.

Curt cignetti definitions:

From Player to Protégé: Cignetti’s Formative Years

Every great coach has a story, and Curt Cignetti‘s begins long before he stepped onto the sidelines as a head coach. His journey is deeply rooted in a family legacy of football excellence, a playing career that honed his understanding of the game, and years spent learning from some of the sport’s most legendary figures as an assistant. This formative period laid the groundwork for the remarkable success we see today.

A Football Family Legacy

For Curt Cignetti, football wasn’t just a sport; it was a way of life, ingrained in his very being from an early age. He was born on June 2, 1961, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a region known for its fervent love of the game. His family roots in football run incredibly deep, providing him with an unparalleled upbringing steeped in the strategies, dedication, and passion of the sport. His father, Frank Cignetti Sr., was a true coaching legend, inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Frank Sr. coached for 20 seasons at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), amassing an impressive 182-50-1 record, and also had a tenure as head coach at West Virginia University. As Curt himself eloquently put it, he learned “faith, family, football” from his father.

The football lineage extends further with his brother, Frank Cignetti Jr., who has carved out a successful career as an assistant coach in both college and the NFL, including a stint as the quarterbacks coach for the NFL’s New York Giants. This familial connection to the highest levels of professional and collegiate football provided Curt Cignetti with a unique perspective and an early education that few can claim. Growing up in this environment, surrounded by Xs and Os, game plans, and the relentless pursuit of victory, naturally shaped his own aspirations and understanding of what it takes to build a winning program. His playing career saw him as an all-state quarterback at Morgantown High School before he went on to play at West Virginia University from 1979 to 1982, further solidifying his hands-on experience with the game.

Learning from Legends: Assistant Coaching Career

After his playing days, Curt Cignetti immediately transitioned into coaching, beginning a long and impactful journey as an assistant that would span decades and multiple prominent programs. These years were crucial for his development, as he worked under and alongside some of college football’s most respected minds, absorbing invaluable lessons in strategy, leadership, and player development. His early roles included a graduate assistant position at Pittsburgh (1983–1984), followed by stints as a position coach at Davidson (QB/WR, 1985), Rice (QB, 1986–1988), and Temple (QB, 1989–1992), before returning to Pittsburgh as QB/TE coach (1993–1999).

It was during his time at NC State (2000–2006) and Alabama (2007–2010) that Cignetti truly honed his craft and left an indelible mark. As the quarterbacks/tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator at NC State, he played a pivotal role in the development of future NFL stars. He notably coached Philip Rivers, who earned ACC Player of the Year honors, and later recruited future Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson to the Wolfpack. His teams at NC State qualified for five bowl games in his seven seasons, winning four of them, including a school-record 11-win season in 2002.

His next stop was perhaps the most influential: working under Nick Saban at the University of Alabama as the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. This period was nothing short of legendary, with Alabama winning the 2009 National Championship and achieving an astounding 29 consecutive regular-season wins. Curt Cignetti was instrumental in recruiting and developing key players such as wide receiver Julio Jones, Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram II, and linebacker Dont’a Hightower. Working alongside a coach of Saban’s caliber provided Cignetti with an unparalleled masterclass in program building and maintaining elite performance.

However, despite the prestige and success at Alabama, Cignetti felt a pull to lead his own program. In an unconventional move, he decided to leave the top tier of FBS football for a head coaching opportunity at Division II Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). This decision, which involved a significant pay cut, was a testament to his ambition and belief in his own abilities. Even his wife, Manette, expressed concern about the financial implications, and Nick Saban reportedly warned him he could “get lost” as an assistant. But Cignetti was ready to bet on himself, demonstrating the confidence and drive that would define his head coaching career.

The Head Coaching Journey of Curt Cignetti: A Master of Turnarounds

With a career head coaching record of 145–37, Curt Cignetti has firmly established himself as a master of program turnarounds. His journey through various collegiate levels—Division II, FCS, and now FBS—showcases a consistent ability to lift teams to unprecedented heights, often in remarkably short order. His confident declaration upon arriving at Indiana, “I win. Google me,” was not mere bravado but a statement of fact, backed by years of transformative success at every stop.

Building a Foundation: IUP and Elon

Curt Cignetti‘s head coaching career began at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), a Division II program with a rich football tradition, partly due to his father’s legendary tenure. From 2011 to 2016, Cignetti compiled an impressive 53–17 record. He quickly made an impact, leading the Crimson Hawks to a PSAC title in 2012 and two PSAC West Division championships (2012, 2015). Under his guidance, IUP made three NCAA Division II playoff appearances, advancing to the NCAA Regional Finals in 2012 with a 12–2 record. His tenure at IUP demonstrated his ability to build a winning culture and achieve consistent success, setting the stage for his next challenge.

In 2017, Cignetti moved to the FCS level, taking over the program at Elon University. In just two seasons, he transformed the Phoenix into a formidable contender, achieving a 14–9 record. His impact was immediate and profound: Elon earned its first NCAA Playoff berth since 2009 in his inaugural season and followed it up with back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in program history. He was recognized for his efforts, earning the CAA Coach of the Year award in 2017. A significant moment during his time at Elon was a historic 27–24 victory over then-No. 2 James Madison in 2018, snapping JMU’s 22-game CAA winning streak and 19-game home winning streak—a win that foreshadowed his next career move.

Dominance at James Madison and the FBS Leap

The success at Elon propelled Curt Cignetti to James Madison University (JMU) in 2019, where he built an FCS powerhouse and then orchestrated a remarkable transition to the FBS level. Over five seasons (2019–2023), Cignetti amassed an outstanding 52–9 record. His time at JMU was marked by consistent dominance, including three CAA titles (2019–2021) and an appearance in the FCS National Championship game in 2019, where the Dukes finished with a 14–2 record—the most wins in a single season for a JMU head coach.

In 2022, Cignetti led James Madison through its transition from FCS to FBS, joining the Sun Belt Conference. Despite the challenges of moving to a higher division, the Dukes immediately found success. In their first two FBS seasons, they secured two Sun Belt East Division titles (2022, 2023). Notably, in 2023, Cignetti guided JMU to an impressive 11–1 record, earning him the Sun Belt Coach of the Year award. Despite their on-field success, NCAA rules prevented JMU from competing for a conference title or a bowl game during their first two transitional years, a frustrating but temporary hurdle. However, in 2023, James Madison made history by becoming the first head coach to lead the team to an NCAA Division I FBS bowl game, the Armed Forces Bowl. This period also saw Cignetti achieve a unique milestone: he became the only NCAA Division I head coach to start 10–0 or better in consecutive seasons at different institutions (James Madison in 2023 and Indiana in 2024).

The Indiana Revolution: Awakening a “Sleeping Giant”

The culmination of Curt Cignetti‘s impressive career arrived with his appointment as head coach at Indiana University, a program often overshadowed by its basketball tradition. His arrival marked the beginning of a genuine revolution, changing what many considered a “basketball school” into a legitimate football contender. The narrative of Indiana football being a “sleeping giant” has finally come to fruition under Cignetti’s visionary leadership.

A Historic First Season for Curt Cignetti

The 2024 season at Indiana University under Curt Cignetti was nothing short of historic. In his inaugural year, he immediately silenced any doubters, guiding the Hoosiers to an unprecedented 11-win season. This achievement marked the first time in program history that Indiana had reached double-digit wins in a single season and secured its first-ever College Football Playoff berth. The team’s journey included a remarkable 8–0 start, the best since 1967, and an overall 11–2 record that propelled them to a No. 10 ranking in the AP poll. A significant highlight was a monumental victory over defending national champions Michigan, a testament to the immediate impact Cignetti had on the program.

His exceptional performance did not go unnoticed, as he was deservedly named the Big Ten Coach of the Year for 2024. The university quickly moved to secure his long-term future, signing him to an eight-year contract extension that initially doubled his salary to $8 million annually, which then further increased to $11.6 million in 2025. This swift and decisive action by Indiana University underscores the profound trust and belief they have in Cignetti’s ability to sustain this newfound success and continue elevating the program. The excitement and momentum generated in Bloomington were palpable, signaling a new era for Indiana football, one defined by winning and national relevance.

Records and Accolades in Bloomington

The impact of Curt Cignetti at Indiana extends beyond just a single successful season; he has shattered long-standing program records and garnered an impressive array of national accolades. His transformative leadership in 2024 and the projected success into 2025 (as indicated by the provided data) paint a picture of a coach who is redefining what’s possible for the Hoosiers.

In 2024 alone, Cignetti swept the major coaching awards, earning:

AP Coach of the Year (2024)
AFCA Coach of the Year (2024)
Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year (2024)
Home Depot Coach of the Year (2024)
Walter Camp Coach of the Year (2024)
Big Ten Coach of the Year (2024)

These awards are a testament to his immediate and profound influence, recognizing him as the nation’s top coach.

Looking ahead, the projections for 2025 demonstrate the sustained high expectations and achievements under Cignetti:

Another AP Coach of the Year (2025)
AFCA Coach of the Year (2025)
Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year (2025)
George Munger Award (2025)
Home Depot Coach of the Year (2025)
Walter Camp Coach of the Year (2025)
Big Ten Coach of the Year (2025)

Under his leadership, Indiana has achieved numerous program firsts:

The first head coach to start their tenure with a 4–0 record (2024).
The first head coach to reach double-digit wins in a single season (2024).
The first head coach to defeat an AP top-five ranked opponent on the road (2025).
The first head coach with consecutive 10–0 seasons (2024, 2025), a unique NCAA Division I distinction.
The first head coach to reach the College Football Playoff (2024–25).
Indiana’s first 11-win season (2024), followed by a projected 12–0 regular season (2025).
The first Big Ten Conference title since 1967 (2025).
The first time being ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 poll (2025).
Earning the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff (2025).
Reaching the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, after winning the 2026 Rose Bowl and 2026 Peach Bowl.
Setting a new program record for most head coaching wins in a single season with 15 (2025), and most Big Ten wins with 9 (2025).

The rapid ascent and consistent success have also led to significant financial commitment from the university, culminating in an eight-year, $93 million contract extension signed in October 2025. This level of investment underscores the belief that Curt Cignetti is not just a coach but an architect of enduring success for Indiana football.

Cignetti’s Philosophy and Personal Life

Beyond the relentless pursuit of victory and the impressive statistics, understanding Curt Cignetti requires a look into his coaching philosophy and the personal life that grounds him. He is a man driven by a clear vision and an unwavering commitment, both on and off the field.

The Curt Cignetti Coaching Philosophy

Curt Cignetti‘s coaching philosophy can be distilled into a few core principles: a winning culture, accountability, and a results-driven approach. His famous “I win. Google me” quote, initially a confident retort to a reporter, perfectly encapsulates his no-nonsense, outcome-focused mentality. This isn’t just talk; it’s a deep-seated belief system forged over decades in football.

His approach often draws comparisons to that of his former mentor, Nick Saban. While perhaps not as outwardly intense as Saban, Cignetti shares a similar dedication to meticulous preparation, high standards, and fostering a culture where excuses are not tolerated. Saban himself is known to be a “long-time believer” in Cignetti’s abilities. This philosophy permeates every aspect of his program, from recruiting to practice to game day. Players are expected to be disciplined, work hard, and buy into the system. This demanding but effective style is what enables him to quickly turn around programs that have historically struggled. It has been noted that he “isn’t here to play nice,” but to win. This straightforward, demanding approach, while perhaps appearing gruff to some, resonates with players who are serious about competing at the highest level and achieving success.

Beyond the Sidelines

While Curt Cignetti‘s professional life is dominated by football, his personal life provides a crucial foundation. He is a devoted family man, married to Manette Cignetti since 1989. Manette, a pharmacist by profession, has been a steadfast pillar of support throughout his career, including the challenging decision to leave Alabama for a Division II head coaching job, which involved a significant pay cut. Her organizational skills and ability to manage family life are often lauded by Curt, who calls her a “superstar” for her role in raising their children.

Together, Curt and Manette have three children:

Curtis John Jr. works in medical sales and has two daughters, Sophia and Isabelle, making Curt Cignetti a proud grandfather.
Carly Cignetti is pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery, reflecting a strong academic and professional drive.
Natalie Cignetti played volleyball at IUP and is now involved in rehabilitation medicine, further demonstrating the family’s commitment to both athletics and demanding professions.

This strong family unit, rooted in Western Pennsylvania, provides Cignetti with the balance and support necessary to steer the high-pressure world of college football. The values instilled by his own father, Frank Cignetti Sr., are clearly reflected in how he leads his family and his teams.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of a Winner

Curt Cignetti has undeniably etched his name into the annals of college football history. From his early days as a quarterback at West Virginia to his transformative head coaching stints at IUP, Elon, James Madison, and now Indiana, his career is a testament to consistent winning, strategic program building, and an unshakeable belief in his methods. His overall record of 145–37 speaks volumes, but it’s the manner in which he achieves success—turning dormant programs into contenders almost overnight—that truly sets him apart.

We’ve seen how his deep family roots in football, particularly the influence of his College Football Hall of Fame father, Frank Cignetti Sr., provided him with an unparalleled foundation. His years as an assistant, learning from legends like Nick Saban and developing NFL talents, further sharpened his coaching acumen. However, it was his courageous decision to step out as a head coach at lower divisions that allowed him to cultivate his unique, results-driven philosophy.

At Indiana, Curt Cignetti has accomplished what many thought impossible, changing a long-struggling program into a Big Ten champion and a College Football Playoff participant. His “I win. Google me” mantra has become a self-fulfilling prophecy, backed by an impressive collection of Coach of the Year awards and a string of broken program records. His impact on Indiana University football is not just a fleeting moment of success, but the awakening of a “sleeping giant,” ready for sustained excellence.

As Curt Cignetti continues to lead the Hoosiers, his legacy as a proven winner and a master of turnarounds will only grow. He is a coach who demands accountability, instills confidence, and delivers results, leaving an indelible mark on every program he touches. For more insights into influential figures and their journeys, we invite you to explore our diverse collection of biographies.

More celebrity biographies