Curt Cignetti is an American college football coach known for producing winning records at every head-coaching stop of his career. He has led programs at the Division II, FCS, and FBS levels and has not recorded a losing season as a head coach.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: Curt Cignetti
- Date of Birth: June 2, 1961
- Age: 65 (as of 2026)
- Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: White (European descent)
- Profession: College Football Head Coach
Family & Background
Son of Frank Cignetti Sr. (college football head coach).
Brother of Frank Cignetti Jr. (college football coach).
Education & Playing Career
High School: Morgantown High School, West Virginia.
College: West Virginia University.
Position: Quarterback.
Degree: Business Administration.
Assistant Coaching Career
- Graduate Assistant, Pittsburgh (1983–1984)
- Quarterbacks Coach, Davidson (1985)
- Quarterbacks Coach, Rice (1986–1988)
- Quarterbacks Coach, Temple (1989–1992)
- Quarterbacks / Tight Ends Coach, Pittsburgh (1993–1999)
- Quarterbacks / Tight Ends Coach, NC State (2000–2006)
- Wide Receivers Coach, Alabama (2007–2010)
Head Coaching Career
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Division II) Years: 2011–2016
- Overall Record: 53–17
- PSAC Championships: 3
- NCAA Playoff Appearances: 4
- National Top-10 Finishes: 3
Elon University (FCS) Years: 2017–2018
- Overall Record: 14–8
- 2017 Record: 8–4
- 2018 Record: 6–4
James Madison University (FCS → FBS) Years: 2019–2023
- Overall Record: 52–9
- Sun Belt Championships: 2
- Conference Championships (Total): 3
- Final Season Record (2023): 11–1
Indiana University (FBS) Years: 2024–Present
- Hired: December 2023
- Big Ten Program Rebuild Leader
Career Totals
- Total Head Coaching Record: 119–34
- Winning Percentage: .777+
- Losing Seasons: 0
Season-by-Season Head Coaching Records
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Division II)
- 2011: 10–3 (PSAC Champions, NCAA Playoffs)
- 2012: 7–3
- 2013: 9–3 (NCAA Playoffs)
- 2014: 10–2 (NCAA Playoffs)
- 2015: 9–3 (NCAA Playoffs)
- 2016: 8–3
Elon University (FCS)
- 2017: 8–4
- 2018: 6–4
James Madison University (FCS → FBS)
- 2019: 14–2 (CAA Champions, FCS Championship Game)
- 2020–21: 7–1
- 2021: 12–2 (CAA Champions)
- 2022: 8–3 (First FBS season)
- 2023: 11–1
Indiana University
- 2024: Season in progress / first season
Bowl & Postseason Results
- NCAA Division II Playoffs: 4 Appearances (IUP)
- FCS Playoff Appearances: Multiple (JMU, Elon)
- FBS Bowl Appearances: James Madison, Indiana
Recruiting & Roster Building
- Recruiting Coordinator Experience: Pittsburgh, NC State, Alabama
- Transfer Portal Integration: James Madison, Indiana
- Emphasis on Character & Coachability
Awards & Recognition
- Conference Coach of the Year (Multiple)
- National Coach of the Year Candidate
- PSAC Coach of the Year
Personal Life
Spouse: Manette Lawer Cignetti
Children: Curtis John, Carly Ann, Natalie Elise
Social Media
- Twitter / X: @CurtCignetti
- Instagram: Not publicly active
- Facebook: Not publicly active
Net Worth
- Estimated Net Worth: $3–5 million
- Main Income: Collegiate coaching contracts and bonuses
Trivia
- Has never recorded a losing season as a head coach
- Coached at all three NCAA levels: Division II, FCS, and FBS
- Son of College Football Hall of Fame coach Frank Cignetti Sr.
- Led James Madison University to an FCS national championship game appearance
- Has produced multiple conference championship teams across different programs
FAQs
How old is Curt Cignetti?
65 (as of 2026).
How tall is Curt Cignetti?
Approximately 6 ft 3 in (191 cm).
What is Curt Cignetti’s career record?
119–34.
