Curt Cignetti Sends Strong Message on Coaching Future Before CFP

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Dec 18, 2024 1:54 PM ET

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti is confident headed into the No. 10 Hoosiers' first-round College Football Playoff matchup against No. 7 Notre Dame on Friday.

That's no surprise when considering what the first-year head coach has accomplished in Bloomington this year. The 63-year-old is the Home Depot National Coach of the Year after leading Indiana to the first 11-win season in program history.

The Hoosiers haven't won a bowl game since 1991 or more than eight games in a single season since 1967. Even if the Hoosiers were to fall to Notre Dame, it's clear that Cignetti's blueprint is working quickly.

But it's safe to say that blue-blood programs have taken notice of the early accomplishments for the former James Madison head coach. And that draws an underlying question of whether Cignetti would entertain offers that might present themselves down the road.

Cignetti seemingly jumped ahead of those questions in an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday, ensuring his stint at Indiana is not a stepping stone to a role elsewhere.

"This is home right here, baby," he said. "This is where it ends for me."

Although the former West Virginia quarterback didn't get his first Division I head coaching gig until he helped James Madison transition to the Sun Belt, Cignetti has been in the collegiate coaching landscape since the early 1980s.

He rose to prominence as an offensive assistant with N.C. State (2000-06) and later at Alabama (2007-10) under Nick Saban.

Including his first head coaching stints at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Elon, Cignetti boasts a 130-36 record as a head coach.

Cignetti ended his appearance by interrupting McAfee with a strong message. He believes that his run at Indiana is only beginning.

"We’re just getting started," he said. "We’re just getting started here, OK."

Cignetti has already been rewarded for his hot start in Bloomington. He received a contract extension through 2032 that is worth $72 million and earned a $500,000 bonus for making the College Football Playoff.

The Hoosiers (11-1) will certainly have their hands full against Marcus Freeman's Fighting Irish (11-1). Notre Dame has won 10 straight and will have the benefit of a home crowd in South Bend.

Kickoff is slated for Friday at 8 p.m. ET (ABC). Indiana is listed as an 8.5-point underdog, per ESPN BET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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