Introduction
Curt Cignetti is one of college football’s most remarkable coaches — known for transforming programs, winning championships and turning underdogs into contenders. As the head football coach at Indiana University, he’s amassed an impressive record, lucrative salary, and loyal family standing behind him. This detailed profile dives into Cignetti’s family, personal life, career achievements, salary and contracts, his Italian roots, and addresses the question: Does he have NFL experience?
1. Early Life and Background
Curt Cignetti was born on June 2, 1961, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a region with deep Italian-American roots and football tradition. Growing up in a football family — his father, Frank Cignetti Sr., is a College Football Hall of Fame coach — Curt was immersed in the sport from a young age. He played quarterback at West Virginia University from 1979 to 1982 and graduated with a business degree in 1982.
2. Is Curt Cignetti Italian?
Though there isn’t publicly available confirmation about Curt Cignetti’s direct Italian ancestry, the surname “Cignetti” suggests an Italian heritage. Pittsburgh — his hometown — has a significant Italian-American population, making it plausible that his family roots trace back to Italy. However, no official source explicitly confirms his Italian ancestry.
Key Point: No verified source confirms Italian ancestry, but the name and regional background imply a strong possibility.
3. Playing Career and NFL Connections
Cignetti’s own playing career was at the college level, where he starred as a quarterback at West Virginia. He did not play in the NFL as a professional athlete, but his coaching network has deep NFL ties through family.
NFL Connections
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Frank Cignetti Jr., Curt’s brother, has coached in the NFL and was an offensive coordinator, notably with the Pittsburgh Panthers and other professional teams.
So, while Curt himself did not play in the NFL, football runs in his blood and his family has real NFL coaching experience.
4. Wife and Personal Life
Manette Cignetti – The Woman Behind the Coach
Curt Cignetti’s wife is Manette Cignetti (née Lawer) — a pharmacist by profession. The couple met in the late 1980s and married on May 27, 1989, at a Catholic church in Pennsylvania.
Their Story
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They met while Curt was coaching and Manette was in pharmacy school, forming a bond that lasted through long-distance.
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Manette became a constant source of support during Curt’s early coaching years — often juggling the demands of her own career and family life.
Children
The couple has three children:
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Curt Jr.
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Carly Ann
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Natalie Elise
Their daughters pursued medical careers, and their son worked in medical sales. They also have granddaughters named Sophia and Isabelle.
5. Curt Cignetti’s Daughter and Family Life
Curt’s family life is rooted in shared values of hard work, education and service outside of football. His two daughters, Carly and Natalie, chose careers in medicine — a tribute to both discipline and service. His son, Curt Jr., made his mark in medical sales and now enjoys family life of his own.
The Cignettis are described as a close-knit family that balances the rigorous life of college football coaching with meaningful personal priorities.
6. Coaching Career and Records
Curt Cignetti is celebrated as one of the most successful college football coaches of his generation. His journey includes:
Collegiate Coaching Progression
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Graduate Assistant at Pittsburgh
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Assistant coaching stops at Davidson, Rice and Temple
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Recruiting Coordinator and position coach at NC State and Alabama
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Head Coach at:
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Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
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Elon University
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James Madison University
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Indiana University Bloomington (2024–present)
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Signature Achievements
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First NCAA Division I coach to start 10-0 or better in consecutive seasons at different institutions: James Madison in 2023 and Indiana in 2024.
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Led Indiana to its first College Football Playoff.
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Guided the Hoosiers to their best season in school history and Big Ten titles.
Overall Coaching Record
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Career head coaching record: 145–37
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Bowls and playoffs: impressive postseason experience.
Cignetti’s football philosophy combines smart schemes, disciplined play, and a culture that maximizes each player’s potential — factors that have turned underachieving programs into consistent winners.
7. Salary, Contracts & Net Worth
Indiana Contract
In October 2025, Curt Cignetti signed a major contract extension with Indiana University — a deal worth over $90 million USD through 2033, averaging $11.6 million per year.
Salary Breakdown
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His salary growth reflects his success — from mid-six figures at James Madison to mid-eight figures at Indiana.
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He is now among the highest-paid coaches in college football.
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Additional bonuses, including postseason achievements and awards, can add millions in incentives.
Estimated Net Worth
Estimates put Curt’s net worth in the $7–$10 million range as of 2025, boosted by coaching contracts, bonus income and appearances.
8. NFL vs College: Where He Stands
A common question: Has Curt Cignetti been in the NFL?
Key Clarification
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Curt did not play in the NFL as an athlete.
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His career has been entirely in college football coaching.
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His family has NFL coaching ties, especially through his brother, Frank Cignetti Jr.
Thus, while Cignetti’s influence reaches into NFL circles through family, his legacy is firmly collegiate.
9. Legacy and Impact
Curt Cignetti’s story isn’t just about wins and losses — it’s about culture change, mentorship and long-term program development.
He has:
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Turned struggling programs into contenders
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Produced respected coaching staffs
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Integrated education and character into athletic excellence
His success at Indiana, where expectations were modest before his arrival, speaks to visionary leadership and relentless drive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Curt Cignetti’s wife?
Curt Cignetti’s wife is Manette Cignetti, a pharmacist who has supported his coaching career since the late 1980s.
2. Does Curt Cignetti have children?
Yes, he has three children — Curt Jr., Carly Ann, and Natalie Elise.
3. Is Curt Cignetti of Italian descent?
There is no confirmed source on his Italian ancestry, though his surname suggests Italian roots and he comes from a Pittsburgh area with strong Italian-American heritage.
4. Did Curt Cignetti play in the NFL?
No, he did not play in the NFL; his playing career was at the college level. However, his brother has NFL coaching experience.
5. How much does Curt Cignetti make?
Curt Cignetti’s contract with Indiana is worth over $90 million through 2033, averaging about $11.6M per year.
6. What record does Curt Cignetti hold?
He is the only coach to start consecutive seasons 10–0 or better at different Division I programs.
7. What is Curt Cignetti’s overall coaching record?
As of the latest season, his head coaching record is roughly 145–37, with notable success at multiple universities.
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