Curt Cignetti’s illustrious coaching career in college football spans over four decades and is deeply influenced by some of the sport’s most celebrated figures, including Chuck Amato at NC State and Nick Saban at Alabama. However, it is the foundational lessons imparted by his father, Frank Cignetti Sr., that remain his greatest source of inspiration. As he prepares to lead No.1 Indiana (15-0) in the College Football Playoff National Championship game against No. 10 Miami (13-2), Cignetti reflects on the values and work ethic instilled in him by his late father.
In his second year as head coach of the Hoosiers, the 64-year-old Cignetti stands poised to make college football history. A victory on Monday night would not only secure a national championship but also mark only the second perfect season at 16-0 in the sport’s history, the first of which was achieved by Yale in 1894. Speaking during Saturday’s media day in Miami, he emphasized the profound impact his father had on his coaching philosophy. “My dad was a great role model… he had a presence about him, a great work ethic, discipline, commitment,” Cignetti said.
Frank Cignetti Sr., who passed away in 2022, was a renowned figure in college football, enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013. He had a remarkable coaching tenure at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) where he amassed a record of 182-50-1, guiding the team to two Division II national championship games from 1986 to 2005. His career began in 1976 when he succeeded the legendary Bobby Bowden at West Virginia University.
However, Frank Cignetti Sr.’s journey was not without its challenges. Diagnosed with lymphomatoid granulomatosis after an emergency splenectomy in 1979, he faced significant hurdles, including being dismissed from West Virginia following a tough season. Despite these setbacks, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, ultimately taking the helm at IUP where he made a lasting impact.
After his father’s retirement in 2005, Curt Cignetti took his first head coaching job at IUP in 2011 after a successful stint as Alabama’s receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. He has since built an impressive record, accumulating 145 wins and 37 losses as a collegiate coach, and showcasing a groundbreaking start of 26-2 at Indiana.
As Curt Cignetti prepares for the championship clash, the legacy of his father looms large, representing a blend of perseverance and excellence that he hopes to exemplify in the pursuit of college football glory. This moment not only reflects his personal journey but also pays homage to a father whose influence continues to resonate through generations.