MIAMI — Curt Cignetti’s Focus is College Football
Indiana’s head coach, Curt Cignetti, firmly stated that he has no plans to pursue a coaching position in the NFL. This comes in the wake of speculation around quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who many believed would be the top draft pick for the Raiders, particularly now that they’re looking for a new coach after firing Pete Carroll.
While speaking on media day ahead of the national championship game against Miami, Cignetti noted, “I mean, I’m not an NFL player.” His path in football has been clearly defined for some time.
Reflecting back, Cignetti, who made a pivotal decision years ago, mentioned, “I made that decision a long time ago when I went to North Carolina State with Chuck Amato in 2000.” That choice came after he had the opportunity to work as an assistant quarterbacks coach with Mike Sherman’s staff at the Packers.
He reminisced, “Darrell Bevell found the job and ended up taking it. I turned down the opportunity. I almost took it. That’s when I made the final decision. I’ve always been a college football guy.” At 64, it seems that Cignetti has found his niche and is embracing it.
Currently, he’s being well compensated for his commitment to Indiana, having recently signed an impressive eight-year contract extension worth $93 million, ensuring an annual salary of $11.6 million until 2033. This deal even includes a provision for an “honest market review” should the Hoosiers progress to the playoff semifinals.
This essentially means that if Indiana does advance, the university has 120 days after the season ends to elevate him to one of the top three highest-paid coaches in college football—or he can walk away without a buyout.
Injury Updates Ahead of the Championship Game
As the championship approaches, Miami will be missing starting cornerback Xavier Lucas for the first half due to a targeting penalty from the Fiesta Bowl. However, there’s some hope for the Hurricanes. Fellow corner Damari Brown, who has been sidelined with a foot injury during the playoffs, might make a return, as Miami coach Mario Cristobal indicated that Brown would assess the situation during the game.
On another note, Miami’s tight end Elijah Lofton will also sit out. He was removed from the field in the Fiesta Bowl due to a lower-body injury, and his absence is notable—he ranked fourth on the team in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
On the Indiana side, they are hopeful about the potential return of kickoff specialist and long field goal kicker Brendan Franke, who has been out since October 25 due to a groin injury. Cignetti described Franke as a “huge factor” for the team, and his status remains questionable as game day approaches.
