‘You get better or you get worse. You never stay the same’: Curt Cignetti sees ‘significant tangible strides’ for IU football as fall camp wraps up

Curt Cignetti has won at every level — that’s evident. But, he never stops working, learning, developing and growing. Why? Because if he isn’t, he’s either getting worse or another coach or program is surpassing him. So, as fall camp wraps up and he turns his attention to his IU football debut next Saturday, it’s business as usual — if not even more.

“You never arrive,” Cignetti said this week. “You’re always fighting human nature. You have a good day, you can’t relax. You have to come back with a better day cause you get better or you get worse, you never stay the same. You have to keep the standards high, never lower your standards.”

His standards have been the backbone of his first nine months in Bloomington. From day one, Curt Cignetti has emphasized what it takes to play for him and win. He hasn’t minced words, either. It’s direct and to the point — sometimes his confident personality coming across cocky.

But, that’s not the case. That’s just who he is and how he’s been able to win in year one at every stop.

So, as IU football finished the last day of fall camp on Friday, there was certainly progress in how his team has grown since day one — mainly in the consistency that he’s seen from play to play and from day to day. That’s step one.

“The edge, the difference between victory and defeat is always very narrow,” Cignetti said. “It’s a mindset in terms of consistency in performance and playing at a high level, day in and day out. Play in and play out. It’s a mindset. It’s not normal. We’ve made progress in that area … our highs aren’t as high and our lows aren’t as low, play in and play out. But we still aren’t there because you never get there.

“We’ve definitely made progress … but we aren’t there yet.”

Consistency is another theme that Cignetti has preached throughout his entire career, even more so over the last nine months. Without consistency, there won’t be growth. Without growth, there won’t be success.

It’s evident in the trajectory of IU football over the last few years and contrast that with James Madison. In the past two seasons, Cignetti coached James Madison to a 7-2 record in one-score games. Indiana? Just 5-6.

The extra effort that wins games late is determined by the consistency set forth before the moment arrives.

So, the consistent performance Cignetti strides to see each and every day from his coaches, players, managers and support staff all ties into his philosophy.

“That’s what we throw all of our time and efforts into. I’ve got a philosophy, the assistant coaches preach the philosophy,” Cignetti emphasized. “We have a way of doing things — a way we play the game, so at the end of the game in those (tense) moments, we can play our best football. It’s all about 11 guys doing what they’re supposed to do and the whole of the group becoming greater than the sum of their parts. They have to have confidence and belief, be able to compartmentalize and put the last play behind them and have total focus on the next play. And do it again and again and again.

“In the past we’ve been really good in those situations and expect us to be really good again.”

Cignetti’s practices have been different. More than one player has been open about that. They’re intense, extremely structured and consistent.

“I think we’ve made very significant tangible strides,” Cignetti said. “The players like the way we practice. We’re getting there.”

August 31 is right around the corner — Cignetti knows it. Everyone knows it. Everyone also knows how important it is to get off on the right note. All will be thrown out the window if there is a stumble out of the gate.

But, it’s the system, philosophy and consistency from the coaching staff and now the players that gives Cignetti confidence his team is ready to compete at a high level next Saturday, and this season.

SEE ALSO: New IU football coordinators followed Curt Cignetti because of culture and trust. Now, they feel ‘something special happening’.

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