![[aggregator] downloaded image for imported item #25463](https://newsview.top/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/indiana-curt-cignetti-media-day-001-1024x576.jpg "Indiana's Curt Cignetti shuts down NFL coaching speculation: 'I've always been more of a college football guy'")
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Nine NFL teams entered the offseason looking to fill head coaching vacancies, and while some believeIndiana coach Curt Cignettiwould be a strong fit for several of those openings, he sees it differently.
Speaking to the media on Saturday ahead of theCollege Football Playoff national championshipgame in Miami, Cignetti shut down speculation of having any interest in making a leap to the NFL.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti speaks during media day Jan.17, 2026, ahead of the College Football Playoff national championship against the Miami Hurricanes.The game will be played Monday in Miami, Fla.(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
“I made that decision a long time ago now,” Cignetti said, viaCBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello.“Chuck Amato, N.C.State, in 2000.I had a chance to go with the [Green Bay] Packers.Tommy Rossley, Mike Sherman.[Brett] Favre was in his heyday.I declined the opportunity.I almost took it.That’s when I made the final decision.
NFL.His most notable — prior to his success at Indiana — was during his five seasons at James Madison, where he led the Dukes to three conference titles and an FCS national championship appearance.He left for Indiana with a 52-9 record.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti walks on the field before the Peach Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal against Oregon in Atlanta Jan.9, 2026.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Cignetti’s remarks come amid speculation that Las Vegas could be a potential fit since Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winnerFernando Mendozawill likely be taken by the Raiders with the first overall pick in April’s draft.
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With those rumors settled, Cignetti’s and Mendoza’s focus can return to Monday’s title game against Miami.
The Hoosiers have gone 26-2 over the last two seasons under Cignetti, andonly Miamistands between them and the program’s first national championship.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza throws a pass against the Oregon Ducks in the Peach Bowl Jan.9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.(Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
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The CFP national championship game will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Monday at 7:30 p.m.ET.
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