Image Source: John Talty
Key Takeaways:
- Curt Cignetti’s ability to identify and develop coaching talent is a key factor in his success as a football coach.
- Cignetti’s top deputies, Mike Shanahan and Bryant Haines, have been with him for over a decade and have played a crucial role in his success.
- Cignetti’s focus on building a strong coaching staff and creating a positive culture has allowed him to turn around programs like Indiana quickly.
- His ability to identify and recruit top coaching talent, as well as his commitment to treating his staff well and promoting from within, has been essential to his success.
- Cignetti’s coaching staff is considered one of the best in the country, with a strong argument for being the nation’s best.
Introduction to Cignetti’s Coaching Style
Curt Cignetti’s eye for talent is not limited to identifying top players, but also extends to recognizing and developing coaching talent. He has a unique ability to spot young coaches with potential and help them grow into successful coaches. As noted by IUP head coach Paul Tortorella, "He does a great job of hiring people, not only good football coaches, but good people. He didn’t make many mistakes." This ability to identify and develop coaching talent has been a key factor in Cignetti’s success as a football coach.
Building a Strong Coaching Staff
Cignetti’s top deputies, Mike Shanahan and Bryant Haines, have been with him for over a decade and have played a crucial role in his success. They were part of Cignetti’s staff at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and have followed him to Elon, James Madison, and now Indiana. As Haines explained, "It’s the same thing that he finds in the transfer portal with recruits — it’s production over potential." Cignetti’s focus on building a strong coaching staff and creating a positive culture has allowed him to turn around programs like Indiana quickly.
Developing Coaching Talent
Cignetti’s ability to develop coaching talent is not limited to his top deputies. He has a track record of identifying and developing young coaches who go on to become successful in their own right. For example, Luke Getsy, who was a 26-year-old offensive coordinator at West Virginia Wesleyan, was brought in by Cignetti as his offensive coordinator at IUP. Getsy later went on to become an offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders. As Tortorella noted, "I think they probably have that same trait that they can see something in young coaches."
Creating a Positive Culture
Cignetti’s commitment to treating his staff well and promoting from within has been essential to his success. He is known for being a film freak, always breaking down tape and looking for an edge, but he also values his staff’s time and well-being. As James Ferguson, who worked with Cignetti at IUP, Elon, and JMU, noted, "He treats his staff really well, and by that, I mean we’re not working ungodly hours." Cignetti’s focus on creating a positive culture has allowed him to build a loyal and dedicated staff, with many of his coaches turning down other opportunities to stay with him.
Results on the Field
The results of Cignetti’s coaching staff have spoken for themselves. Indiana’s defense, led by Haines, has been one of the best in the country, ranking second in SP+ rankings, second in scoring defense, and second in rushing defense. As Tortorella said, "They are the best-coached team in America, there ain’t any question." Cignetti’s ability to identify and develop coaching talent, combined with his focus on building a strong coaching staff and creating a positive culture, has been the key to his success on the field.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Curt Cignetti’s ability to identify and develop coaching talent is a key factor in his success as a football coach. His focus on building a strong coaching staff and creating a positive culture has allowed him to turn around programs like Indiana quickly. As Haines noted, "It’s not about the guy that’s leaving Texas that’s never called a play, it’s do I know this guy holds a certain standard and is going to execute his job description even as a coach?" Cignetti’s coaching staff is considered one of the best in the country, and his ability to identify and recruit top coaching talent, as well as his commitment to treating his staff well and promoting from within, has been essential to his success.
https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/curt-cignetti-college-football-best-staff-indiana/