Curt Cignetti, the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, has garnered significant attention for his exceptional coaching career. His recent achievements, including leading Indiana to an 11–2 record and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, have solidified his reputation as a top-tier coach. This success has naturally led to speculation about his potential candidacy for the Dallas Cowboys’ head coaching position.
Coaching Career Overview
Cignetti’s coaching journey began in the early 1980s, serving as a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh. He has since held various coaching roles at institutions such as Davidson College, Rice University, Temple University, North Carolina State University, and the University of Alabama. Notably, during his tenure at Alabama, he contributed to the team’s national championship victory in 2009. citeturn0search1
In 2011, Cignetti embarked on his head coaching career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where he achieved a 53–17 record over six seasons, including three NCAA playoff appearances and two conference championships. citeturn0search1 He then moved to Elon University in 2017, leading the Phoenix to back-to-back NCAA playoff appearances. At James Madison University from 2019 to 2023, Cignetti’s teams amassed a 52–9 record, with a 19–4 mark in 2022 and 2023, marking the Dukes’ first two years as an FBS program. citeturn0search3
In December 2023, Cignetti became the head coach at Indiana University, where he led the Hoosiers to an 11–2 record and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. His remarkable turnaround of the program earned him multiple coaching accolades, including the Home Depot National Coach of the Year award. citeturn0search3
Dallas Cowboys Head Coaching Vacancy
In January 2025, the Dallas Cowboys parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy after five seasons. This decision has prompted speculation about potential candidates for the position. While some reports suggest that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is considering college coaches, including Deion Sanders, there is no official confirmation regarding Cignetti’s candidacy. citeturn0search0
Potential Fit for the Cowboys
Cignetti’s extensive coaching experience and recent successes make him a compelling candidate for the Cowboys. His ability to turn around programs and achieve immediate success aligns with the Cowboys’ need for a coach who can lead the team to championship contention. However, Cignetti has expressed a strong commitment to his current role at Indiana, and it remains uncertain whether he would consider an NFL position at this stage in his career.
