‘I’m too young to stop growing’: Curt Cignetti releases joint statement with JMU after accepting Indiana football head coaching position

The Indiana football program got its guy on Thursday when it was officially confirmed that James Madison head coach would be heading to Bloomington to take over the IU program.

Cignetti, who led the Dukes to a 52-9 record over five seasons, has a career winning percentage of 77.2 across 13 years as a head coach.

He has not only been a head coach for three programs, he has also spent time on the sidelines as an FBS assistant for 27 years — most notably on Nick Saban’s first staff at Alabama.

Cignetti, 62, will be getting his first FBS head coaching position, however, with Indiana football.

On Thursday, he and James Madison released a joint statement regarding his departure.

“This was a really difficult decision and I really wrestled with it hard,” Cignetti said. “These were the best five years of my professional life. We accomplished a lot every year but particularly the last two and this season was so special. I had total intentions and plans to retire here. 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. I thank Jeff Bourne and President Jon Alger for that and for their tremendous support during our tenure here. JMU is a special place in so many different ways. They’re going to continue to have great success in the future. It will be a very attractive opportunity. I’ll miss the players who are returning, the relationships we’ve formed, the people who love and care about JMU football, the donor base, the fans and the relationships that my wife Manette and I have developed in our time in Harrisonburg.

“This is really hard to leave, but sometimes you have to make hard decisions and get uncomfortable again to grow, and I’m too young to stop growing. This is a challenge, a big challenge, but I’m confident like all the other challenges I’ve had in my career as a head coach that we’re going to open some eyes nationally and in the Big Ten Conference. I will miss JMU and have nothing but fond memories, and I know the history is great here and the people are even better. Go Dukes!”

Cignetti led the Dukes to an 11-1 record this season en route to earning Sun Belt Coach of the Year. This is only the second season in which James Madison is in the FBS.

Indiana football is coming off of a 3-9 season and a 9-27 record over the last three years combined.

Last season, Indiana was the only one-win team in the Big Ten.

“I am excited to lead this program forward and change the culture, mindset, and expectation level of Hoosier football,” Cignetti said in a statement in Indiana’s release. “I want to thank Director of Athletics Scott Dolson and President Pam Whitten, and I look forward to working with both in building something special at IU. Both share my vision and belief that big things are ahead for the IU program.”

SEE ALSO: ‘I am excited to lead this program forward and change the culture, mindset, and expectation level of Hoosier football.’: Indiana football officially announces Curt Cignetti as head coach

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