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Headline: How Indiana Coach Curt Cignetti’s Championship DNA Drives Hoosiers’ Success

Bloomington, IN – New Indiana University football coach Curt Cignetti is making waves with his team’s performance, and those who know him best say it’s no surprise. Cignetti, who honed his coaching skills at Division II Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), has instilled a winning mentality by implementing demanding training regimens and a focus on meticulous detail learned during his time as an assistant coach under Nick Saban at Alabama.

Cignetti’s methods at IUP were initially met with skepticism, as he introduced rigorous early-morning workouts, ROTC-style leadership training, and a highly structured practice environment. Players recall the intense physical and mental challenges, but acknowledge the profound impact it had on team unity and leadership development. This resulted in conference championships and deep playoff runs and built a culture that eventually propelled Cignetti to success at Elon, James Madison, and now Indiana.

While Cignetti often referenced his Alabama experiences early in his tenure, a pivotal moment came when an IUP player reminded him, “You’re not at Alabama anymore. This is Indiana.” This realization allowed Cignetti to fully embrace the unique identity of his team, fostering a deep trust and belief in his leadership. Former players credit Cignetti’s unwavering confidence, meticulous approach, and ability to connect with players as the keys to his consistent success, making him one of the most respected coaches in college football today.

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