In a recent press conference ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti addressed speculation regarding his potential transition to the NFL. Despite holding a significant contract with a $15 million buyout and $93 million in guarantees following his latest extension, Cignetti firmly stated, “I’m not an NFL guy. I made that decision a long time ago.”
Cignetti’s comments took an interesting turn when he recalled a past opportunity with the Green Bay Packers. He revealed that he had a chance to join the team during the peak of Brett Favre’s career, when Tom Rossley served as offensive coordinator and Mike Sherman was the head coach. Although he was presented the opportunity, Cignetti ultimately declined, a decision that he credits with shaping his identity as a college football coach.
Reflecting on the timeline, it seems likely that Cignetti was offered a role as either the assistant quarterbacks coach in 2000 or the quarterbacks coach in 2003, both positions that were later filled by Darrell Bevell. During the early 2000s, Cignetti was advancing his career as he coached quarterbacks and tight ends at North Carolina State and held various coaching roles at other institutions, including Davidson, Rice, Temple, and Pittsburgh.
Over the past three years at James Madison and Indiana, Cignetti has achieved a remarkable record of 37 wins against just 3 losses, highlighting his success despite coaching at programs that are not traditionally seen as powerhouses in college football. This impressive performance suggests that even without the NFL experience, Cignetti has made a significant impact in college football, and in another scenario, he might have been a key figure in changing the fortunes of the Packers during a challenging period.
Cignetti’s commitment to college football reflects a growing trend of coaches finding fulfillment and success at the college level, indicating that their contributions can lead to impactful legacies in the sport. With the championship game ahead, his focus is undoubtedly on solidifying his team’s performance rather than speculation about the NFL.