Curt Cignetti was named the 30th head football coach in program history. Cignetti brings a 41-year coaching career with a 119-35 record as a head coach. At James Madison (2019-23), he went 52-9, earning Sun Belt Coach of the Year in 2023. Under his leadership, JMU clinched conference titles, playoff berths, and a 2019 FCS National Championship appearance. In 2023, JMU’s first FBS bowl bid included back-to-back Sun Belt East titles and six weeks in the Top 25.
Cignetti’s previous stops include Elon (2017-18) and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2011-16), where he turned struggling programs into playoff contenders. As an FBS assistant, he coached under Nick Saban at Alabama, helping the Tide win a national title in 2009. Earlier roles at NC State, Pitt, and others showcased his recruiting acumen and player development. Cignetti now aims to elevate Hoosier football by fostering a winning culture and high expectations. Cignetti won the 2024 AFCA Coach of the Year award after guiding Indiana to the College Football Playoffs.
