Indiana’s Curt Cignetti Dismisses NFL Speculation

Nine NFL teams are currently on the lookout for new head coaches, and some have pointed to Indiana’s Curt Cignetti as a potential candidate. However, Cignetti seems to have other plans.

During a press conference on Saturday, just before the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in Miami, Cignetti was clear in denying any interest in stepping up to the NFL.

“I made that decision a long time ago,” Cignetti stated. He reminisced about a past opportunity with Chuck Amato at North Carolina in 2000, revealing, “I had a chance to go with him. [Green Bay] Packers. Tommy Rossley, Mike Sherman, [Brett] Favre was in his prime. I turned down the opportunity. I almost took it. That’s when I made my final decision.”

Cignetti, who has devoted his career to college football, has had quite a journey but has yet to transition to the NFL. His noteworthy stint at James Madison lasted five seasons, culminating in a record of 52-9 and a trip to the FCS National Championship. Now, at Indiana, he’s poised for broader achievements.

Interestingly, amid the buzz about Cignetti, there’s also talk of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza being a top pick for the Raiders in the upcoming NFL draft. Cignetti’s comments came as speculation swirled around Mendoza’s future.

With that chatter settled, Cignetti and Mendoza can shift their full attention to the championship game against Miami. In the past two seasons, Cignetti has led the Hoosiers to an impressive 26-2 record, and they are now just one game away from winning the school’s first national championship.

The CFP National Championship Game is set for Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.