Curt Cignetti has emerged as a prominent figure in college football, leading Indiana to become a serious contender for the National Championship and positioning the Hoosiers for a potential second consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoffs. As the college football landscape anticipates a major coaching shake-up this offseason, universities nationwide are on the lookout for their own version of Cignetti.
In a recent analysis, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg spoke with various individuals associated with Cignetti’s hiring process and successful tenure to determine what qualities made him stand out. Rittenberg highlighted four essential traits in potential coaching candidates: proven success at multiple levels, a hands-on approach with personnel, a clear vision for the program, and the capacity to develop key assistants and players.
Notably, two former Tennessee assistant coaches were revealed as candidates fitting the Cignetti mold. Jerry Mack, who was the running backs coach at UT from 2021 to 2023, has shown the potential to follow in Cignetti’s footsteps. After playing as a wide receiver at Jackson State and Arkansas State, Mack’s coaching career has included stints at various programs, ultimately leading him to become the head coach at North Carolina Central. There, he achieved a commendable record of 31-15 across four seasons, with three MEAC titles and a Celebration Bowl appearance under his belt. Following his time at Tennessee, where he guided notable players like Jabari Small and Tiyon Evans, Mack has recently taken a position at Kennesaw State, where he has already made a significant impact.
The second candidate, Tyson Helton, is also well-versed in the Tennessee coaching experience, having served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2018. He has since taken the helm at Western Kentucky, maintaining a 55-34 record over seven seasons. Helton has demonstrated his ability to maintain consistency at the Group of 5 level, with eight or more wins in five of his first six seasons, and currently leads his team to a 7-2 record this fall. Although he has not secured a conference title, Helton has guided the Hilltoppers to the Conference USA championship game twice and has developed a reputation for nurturing one of the nation’s top passing offenses.
With both Mack’s versatile background and Helton’s proven record, they represent promising options for teams searching for a leader akin to Cignetti. Their respective journeys take on added significance in light of the upcoming coaching carousel, signaling a period of opportunity and potential growth within college football programs.