Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Curt Cignetti

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Curt Cignetti made an impact.

Curt Cignetti is an American college football coach currently the head coach at Indiana University. Previously, he served as head coach at James Madison University, Elon University, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). He is a five-time conference coach of the year and the 2024 national coach of the year. He holds the distinction of being the only college football coach to start 10-0 with two different teams in consecutive seasons, achieving this with James Madison University in 2023 and Indiana University in 2024.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1979: Played for West Virginia Mountaineers

In 1979, Curt Cignetti began playing quarterback for the West Virginia Mountaineers.

1982: Ended time with West Virginia Mountaineers

In 1982, Curt Cignetti completed his tenure as quarterback for the West Virginia Mountaineers.

1983: Began Coaching Career at Pitt

In 1983, Curt Cignetti began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Pitt under Foge Fazio.

2000: Joined NC State Staff

In 2000, Curt Cignetti joined Chuck Amato's staff at North Carolina State University (NC State).

2002: NC State Achieved School-Record 11-Win Season

In 2002, during Curt Cignetti's tenure, the NC State Wolfpack achieved a school-record 11-win season.

2003: Coached Philip Rivers, ACC Player of the Year

In 2003, Curt Cignetti coached quarterback Philip Rivers, who earned ACC Player of the Year honors while Cignetti was at NC State.

2006: Recruited Russell Wilson to NC State

In 2006, Curt Cignetti recruited future Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson to the NC State Wolfpack.

2007: Joined Alabama Coaching Staff

In 2007, Curt Cignetti became part of Nick Saban's inaugural coaching staff at the University of Alabama, serving as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator.

2008: Alabama's 12-0 Regular Season

In 2008, during Curt Cignetti's tenure, the Alabama Crimson Tide achieved a 12–0 regular season.

2009: Alabama's National Championship Season

In 2009, Curt Cignetti was part of the Alabama coaching staff when the Crimson Tide achieved a 14–0 national championship season.

2011: Became Head Coach at IUP

In 2011, Curt Cignetti became the head coach at IUP and revitalized the team, finishing the season with a 7–3 record after winning six of its final seven games.

2013: IUP Posted 9-2 Record

In 2013, Curt Cignetti’s team at IUP posted a 9–2 record.

2015: Guided IUP to NCAA Playoff Appearance

In 2015, Curt Cignetti guided IUP to an NCAA playoff appearance.

December 31, 2016: Accepted Head Coaching Position at Elon University

On December 31, 2016, Curt Cignetti accepted the head coaching position at Elon University.

December 14, 2018: Named Head Coach at James Madison

On December 14, 2018, Curt Cignetti was named head coach at James Madison University.

2018: Elon Defeated James Madison

In 2018, Curt Cignetti led Elon to a historic 27–24 victory over James Madison, snapping JMU's 22-game CAA winning streak and 19-game home winning streak. This marked Elon’s first win over a top-five FCS opponent.

2020: JMU Reached FCS Semifinals

In the pandemic-affected 2020 season, shortened and delayed to spring 2021, James Madison University (JMU), under Curt Cignetti, finished 7–1 and reached the FCS Semifinals.

2021: JMU Announced Move to Sun Belt Conference

In 2021, Curt Cignetti led James Madison University (JMU) to a 12–2 season, and JMU announced their move from the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) to the Sun Belt Conference.

2022: JMU Finished with Share of Sun Belt East Division Title

In 2022, during their first season at the FBS level, Curt Cignetti led James Madison University (JMU) to finish 8–3 and earn a share of the Sun Belt East Division title.

November 30, 2023: Named Head Football Coach at Indiana University

On November 30, 2023, Curt Cignetti was named head football coach at Indiana University.

2023: Started 10-0 with James Madison University

In 2023, Curt Cignetti started 10-0 with James Madison University. He is the only college football coach to have started 10-0 with two different teams in consecutive seasons, also achieving this with Indiana University in 2024.

2024: Named National Coach of the Year

In 2024, Curt Cignetti was named the national coach of the year. He also achieved the unique distinction of starting 10-0 with two different teams in consecutive seasons, first with James Madison University in 2023 and then with Indiana University in 2024.

2024: Indiana Hoosiers Achievements Under Cignetti

In 2024, under Curt Cignetti, the Indiana Hoosiers achieved their first-ever 11-win season, highlighted by a victory over defending national champions Michigan, earning the team national recognition, a top-five ranking, and a College Football Playoff berth. Indiana finished the season being ranked number ten in the country with an 11–2 record, their season ending with a loss to Notre Dame in the first round of the 2024–25 College Football Playoff.