On the field, Indiana University's head football coach Curt Cignetti is the picture of calm, serious focus. But behind that stoic demeanor lies a deep-seated confidence and a family legacy that has shaped not just his career, but the very culture of Hoosier football. This legacy, built on lessons of winning passed down from his father, has culminated in a historic achievement: a perfect 14-0 season in 2025.
The Cignetti Blueprint: Confidence Forged in Family
Curt Cignetti's approach to the game was not learned by chance. It was meticulously observed and inherited. He grew up watching his father, the legendary Frank Cignetti Sr., coach, lead, and demand the highest standards. This mindset became Curt's own, a non-negotiable philosophy he brought to Indiana University upon his hiring.
He made no apologies for his expectations. In a November 2024 interview with IndyStar, Cignetti reflected, "First of all, my dad would be really mad at some of the things I said when I got hired." He saw his arrival as a clash of cultures: "One used to winning, and winning championships, and another where people thought it was impossible. I wasn't going to lower my expectations and standards."
This confidence became a national talking point after a now-famous 2023 recruiting interview where he declared, "I win, Google me." The bold statement was more than just bravado; it was a promise. The 2025 season's perfect 14-0 record proved it. Yet, Cignetti humbly admits his father, Frank Sr., would have still corrected him for the remark, saying, "I'd have got chastised for that. But my dad was a confident guy. He was very confident."
A Coaching Dynasty: From Frank Sr. to Frank Jr.
The Cignetti family's imprint on college football is profound. Curt followed the path blazed by his father, Frank Cignetti Sr., a revered figure who led West Virginia University from 1976 to 1979 and later served as the long-time head coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) from 1986 to 2005.
Frank Sr.'s contributions were immortalized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013. After his passing in September 2022 at age 84, Curt paid tribute on social media, writing, "I was blessed to have a great Dad! He inspired me and so many others."
The coaching gene runs strong. Curt's brother, Frank Cignetti Jr., also built a formidable career. Starting under his father at IUP, he climbed the ranks to coach in the NFL with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints, and at major college programs including Pittsburgh, Boston College, and Rutgers. Since 2025, he has returned to his roots as the offensive coordinator at IUP.
The Pillar at Home: Manette Cignetti
Behind every great coach is a strong support system. For Curt, that anchor is his wife, Manette Cignetti. The couple met in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and married in May 1989 after a long-distance courtship that culminated in a Halloween visit and a proposal.
In an October 2024 feature, Manette offered insight into the man who leads the Hoosiers. "He's super organized. He's everything I'm not," she said, praising his integrity and example. "He leads by example. He has great integrity. He's a great role model for these kids." Together, they have raised three children: Natalie, Carly, and Curtis.
Curt Cignetti's story is more than a coaching success tale. It is a testament to how family values, unwavering confidence, and a legacy of excellence can transform a program's destiny. From the lessons of Frank Cignetti Sr. to the support of his own family, Curt has built a winning culture at Indiana that has already made history.
