Indiana announced the hiring of Curt Cignetti on Thursday as the 30th head football coach in program history.
Here are a few random notes on the Cignetti hire that emerged throughout the day.
See also: In Curt Cignetti, Indiana hired a winner.
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ONE MORE GAME
Because they are only in their second season of transitioning from the FCS to FBS, James Madison was technically not allowed to play in the postseason this year. But an exception existed because there weren’t enough teams with at least six wins, so the Dukes will in fact play another game.
According to Chris Vannini of the Athletic, Cignetti will coach in the to be determined bowl game. That means he’ll be doing double duty over the next few weeks.
According to a report by Catie Harper of the Daily News, Cignetti wanted to coach in the game and Indiana was willing to allow it.
The Athletic’s latest bowl projections forecast James Madison playing Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl.
CIGNETTI ON LEAVING JMU
Vannini also posted a quote from Cignetti on his decision to leave James Madision. He led the No. 24 Dukes to an 11-1 season.
“I had total intentions and plans to retire here,” Cignettti said. “I had a great job. The university really upped their commitment and did everything possible to keep me and the staff here. They couldn’t have done any more than they did.”
IMPROVED QB PLAY COMING?
Can IU fans expect improved performance by quarterbacks under Cignetti’s direction?
Check out this social media post by JMU regarding the combined stats of their three different quarterbacks over the last three seasons:
JMU has cracked the QB code.
The secret? It just might be the trio of Tino Sunseri, Curt Cignetti and Mike Shanahan. pic.twitter.com/YR9xlNyAiG
— JMU Sports News (@JMUSportsNews) November 27, 2023
FRIDAY PRESS CONFERENCE
Cignetti will be in Bloomington on Friday and will meet with the media at 2:30 p.m. ET.
IU AD Scott Dolson will also take questions.
Videos and transcripts will be posted at The Daily Hoosier.
The new head coach will almost certainly be introduced at the Friday evening IU basketball game (vs. Maryland at 7 p.m. ET) as well.
NICK SABAN ON CIGNETTI
As we’ve reported over the last couple days, Cignetti served as a recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach on Nick Saban’s first four teams at Alabama from 2007-2010. The Crimson Tide won a national title in 2009.
Saban released a statement on Thursday.
“Having known Curt for what seems like most of his life, I am thrilled for he and Manette and the Indiana fanbase, and am excited for this opportunity for him,” Saban said. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to watch him grow since he was with us at Alabama.
“He’s been successful everywhere he’s been and I’m confident he’ll enjoy lots of success at Indiana. They’re not only getting a great coach, they’re also getting a coach who does things the right way. This is a great day for Curt and his family and I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
NFL star receiver Julio Jones played for Cignetti at Alabama.
GET TO KNOW CIGNETTI
You may have seen this video going around of the Pat McAfee Show on site at James Madision a couple weeks ago. It should give you a very good sense for Cignetti’s passion and energy, as well as the immense support in garnered from the fans at JMU.
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